\ 


THE  TRUE  NARRATIVE 


OF  THE 


1  EARS' 


BY 


Miss  Barter; 

^  7 

WIFE   OF  "SQUATTING  BEAR," 

A    CELEBRATED  SIOUX  CHIEF. 


MISS  BARBEft,  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  in  kr  religions  enthusiasm,  retired  to  ga 


BDIilS, 


as  missionary,  and  with  that  purpose  in  view  married  Squatting  Bear, 
at  Washington,  D,  C, 

ve  years  of  suffering  and  stirring  adventures,  this  beautiful  young  lady  has  just  returned  EasV 
and  her  narrative  13  one  of  deep  and  entrancing  interest, 


feature  of  this  work  is  the 
given  by  J^tlss  ^Barber,  for  t?te  cure  of  various  diseases. 
They  are  very  efficacious. 


ACOVUATE 


B  A  B  C  L  A  Y    &    0  O.,    'P  U  B  L  I  S  II  E  HP 

No.  2-1  NORTH  SEVSNTH  STRKZT. 


E<?9 
i 


* 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1873,  by 

BARCLAY    &   CO.,     ' 
In  the  C  ie  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D,  0. 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 


CHAPTER  1. 

MARRIED  TO   "SQUATTING  BKAB." 

AM  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  and  was  born  in  June,  1848. 
Early  in  life  I  had  those  religious  principles  instilled  in  my 
mind  which  in  after  years  went  a  great  way  toward  the  fixed 
purpose  of  becoming  an  Indian  missionary.  It  has  been 
argued  by  a  great  many  people — since  my  return  from  my 
five  years'  sojourn  among  the  Indians — that  sentinientalisin  rather 
than  religious  fervor  caused  the  step,  which  I  have  since  repented, 
that  of  marrying  an  Indian  chief. 

Kind  reader,  if  there  did  exist  within  me  a  romantic  feeling  I 
failed  to  remark  it  at  the  time,  nor  have  I  yet  detected  its  existence. 
I  was  indeed  foolish  to  have  undertaken  such  a  step,  but  then,  in 
my  ignorance,  I  thought  of  a  great  and  good  work  which,  by  self- 
sacrifice  and  resolution,  would  admit  of  my  success  in  its  accom 
plishment.  I  have  "  lived  and  learned,"  and  when  I  turn  my 
thoughts  to  those  eventful  years  in  my  life— each  one  photographed 
xupou  my  memory,  and  if  further  testimony  wer.e  needed  nearly  all 
are  recorded  in  the  diary  which  I  kept — I  cannot  but  stand  in  amaze 
ment  at  perils  passed  through,  and  thank  the  great  God  above  us 
that  I  am  spared  to  tell  my  story,  which  1  claim  irf  one  of  astonish 
ing  adventures  such  as  probably  no  woman,  and  few  men,  have  ever 

experienced. 

It 

Ml-02109 


20  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE 

1  regret  to  say  that  my  marriage  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  1867, 
to  "Squatting  Bear,"  was  by  hungry  sensation-seekers  made  the 
occasion  of  a  public  demonstration,  against  my  wish.  But  there  is 
no  need  to  review  that  portion  of  my  life;  you  are  all  familiar  with 
ts  every  detail,  the  press  throughout  this  country  and  Europe  havi 
freely  vented  the  particulars.  *  • 

"  Squatting  Bear,"  my  husband,  is  a   chief  of  the  Sioux  Indi 
Tribe  which  is  divided  into  several  families,  his  family  being  call 
"Brule."     All  male  Indians  are  named  according  to  some  incident 
occurring  during  their  early  life.     If  the  incident  be  one  of  a  bur 
lesque  or  cowardly  nature  the  name  thus  derived  may  be  afterwards 
changed  by  some  act  of  bravery.     But  where  the  name  is  in  the 
first  place  gained  by  a  brave  act  it  is  never  altered.    To  illustrate — 
nay  husband's  brother,  when  about  twenty  years  of  age,  started  with 
two  of  his  tribe  on  a  hunt.     On  their  way  they  came  to  a  rive 
a  very  rapid  current,  requiring  in  a  man  considerable  streng 
swim  it.     His  companions  were  ahead  and  gained  the  shore  b 
him;  turning  they  saw  him  hold  up  one  hand,  and  heard  him 
"  towaree  "  (cramp).     They  rescued  him,  and  on  their  return  to  the 
Indian  village  gave  him  the  name,  which  they  had  heard  the  traders 
use,  and  had  a  slight  idea  of  its  definition — "  Belly-ache,"  which  he 
retained  for  many  years;    having  fortunately  afterward,   however, 
gained    celebrity   for    keenness    of   vision,   he   was    re-named  — 
*  Keen-eye." 

The  way  my  husband  gained  his  somewhat  unromant;~  —   n 
tion  was  through  the  following  incident.   In  company  with   . 
he   one   day   started  out  with  the  avowed  intention   o 
"  waiKioe  "  (bear)  which  had,  for  several  days,  been  seen  \v 

In  the  neighborhood  of  the  encampment.    They  walked    . les 

without  discovering  any  signs  of  the  animal,  when  suddenly  the 
bear  sprang  upon  my  husband,  and  so  quick  was  the  encounter  that 
both  man  and  beast  in  the  sudden  contact  were  thrown  upon  their 
backs.  My  husband,  then  known  as  Temulle,  endeavored  to  regain 
hifl  feet,  bvt  tk?  bear  Deemed  in  no  way  disposed  to  allow  such  an 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  21 

action,  for  she  immediately  "  closed  in  "  and  hugged  Temulle  to  her 
heart's  content.  This  affectionate  reception  in  no  manner  pleased 
4he  Indian..  His  companion  "  Tall-oak "  did  not  dare  to  fire,  and 
during  the  struggle  Temulle  called  to  him  forbiddin-g  him  to,  in  any 
way,  interfere  with  him,  as  he  wished  to  fight  it  out  alone. 

The  struggle  was*  long  and  fierce,  and  not  once  did  Temulle  find 
himself  able  to  get  upon  his  feet.  Over  and  over  rolled  man  and 
beast.  Temulle  was  by  this  time  terribly  gashed  and  bled  profusely, 
Now  he  would  manage  to  get  upon  his  knees,  and  with  all  his 
strength,  which  was  great,  succeed  in  hurling  his  antagonist  from 
him.  But  to  no  effect,  for  before  he  could  regain  his  feet  the  bear 
was  upon  him.  The  witness  to  this  encounter  thinking  every  new 
and  then  that  Temulle  was  overcome  would  say,  "'Tall-oak,'  now 
help  Temulle,"  to  which  he  would  reply,  "Not  so,  Temulle  figbte 
his  own  battles,  to  Temulle  belongs  the  victory."  After  a  prolong^ 
fight  the  bear  was  killed.  Temulle's  knife  had  entered  the  beai's 
heart.  This  incident  gave  to  Temulle  the  name  of  "Squatting 
Bear." 

But  I  digress.  The  world  knows  of  my  marriage  to,  and  depart 
ure  with,  Squatting  Bear.  We  went  from  "Washington  to  Chfcago  , 
from  there  to  Des  Moines,  Iowa  ;  thence  to  Omaha,  Nebraska,  where 
we  remained  several  days  for  the  purpose  of  making  purchases. 
Along  the  route  we  were  greeted  either  with  cheers,  or  shouts  of 
derision,  from  the  crowds  assembled  at  the  different  railroad  depots. 
Many  enthusiastic  church  people  having  heard  of  my  mission  were 
awaiting,  in  the  cities  along  our  route,  my  arrival.  Some  offered 
me  money,  others  had  dainties  put  up  in  jars  and  baskets,  but  the 
greater  portion  insisted  upon  my  taking  bibles,  hymn  books,  etc. 
A  few  of  these,  in  my  zeal,  I  accepted,  little  thinking  how  useless 
they  were  where  I  was  going.  Thinking  I  Why,  bless  you,  I  never 
stopped  to  think  at  all,  for  if  I  had  I  should  never  have  taken  the 
step  I  did,  and  consequently  these  lines  would  never  have  seen  print. 

There  was  I  going  among  a  people,  the  greater  portion  of 
whou"  could  not  understand  me,  for  the  purpose  of  converting 


22  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

them  to  Christianity,  and  leaving  behind  a  more  promising  field  of 
heathens.  During  our  journey  my  husband  was  very  kind 
to  me — the  sort  of  kindness  a  child  displays  toward  a  toy:  but 
I  paid  but  little  attention  to  him  then,  for  my  mind  was  religiously 
pre-oc«upied. 

Did  I  love  him?  peiAaps  some  may  ask.  No,  I  did  not;  and 
that  one  thought  has  since  given  me  much  uneasiness.  7Twt*3  a,  sin 
to  marry  a  man  whom  I  did  not  love.  But,  reader,  I  pray  your 
lenience.  Remember  I  was  young  and  blind  with  what  I  then  con 
sidered  a  religious  duty.  I  have  read  articles  since  my  return  (1872) 
in  several  papers,  and  among  them  a  Journal  of  the  Church,  con 
demning  me  severely — asserting  that  it  was  "  nothing  but  the  romance 
and  folly  in  the  head  of  a  silly  girl  wnich  induced  her  to  wed  her 
self  with  an  Indian,  pretending,  or  imagining  that  it  was  in  the  ca"°^ 
of  religion."  This  I  positively  deny,  for  however  foolish  the  step 
and  that  I  acknowledge — it  was  in  the  cause  of  religion,  and  for  tl  ;. 
only,  that  I  did  it.  But  no  more  of  this  ;  I  did  not  commence  tl 
narrative  for  the  purpose  of  self-justification,  and  shall  tire  my  readers 
with  no  such  pleadings ;  so  follow  me  without  fear.  As  I  have  said, 
we  spent  a  few  days  in  Omaha. 

One  day  my  husband  came  to  ^e  with  the  information  that  we 
ware  to  start  the  following  morning  at  sunrise,  and  ordered  me  to 
make  preparations  accordingly.  So  we  started,  and  in  due 
time  reached  Sioux  City,  where  we  remained  but  a  i  c-rt  time,  and 
then  struck  up  the  Yaokton  river.  At  length  we  ai 
ton,  Dakota,  and  then  the  real  journey  commenced.  P -,e  "  Bn 
village  lay  to  the  right  about  one  hundred  and  forry-rVvr  -rules 
from  Yankton.  We  were  provided  with  horses,  which  we  had  pur 
chased  at  Sioux  City  We  had  accomplished  some  forty -five  miles 
,he  first  day  when  my  husband  concluded  to  rest.  I  was  thoroughly 
ired  out,  and  no  such  luxury  as  a  bed  awaited  me,  but  I  had  antiei- 
>ated  such  hardships  and  bravely  lay  me  down  to  sleep.  I  had  no 
Uificulty  in  doing  this,  for  nature  soon  asserted  her  control,  and 
refreshing  staer  claimed  possession  o*  my  exhausted  energies.  In  the 


f3 -         --!---.      _'.'  — -iLJ—       ••  ._=r7i 

MY  MARRIAGE  TO  " SQUATTING  BEAR,"  1HB  INDIAN  CHIEF,  AT  WASHINGTON,  O.  A 

Heine  9Bcr&«irat&Hi»fl  rait  ,.£<xfebafc"  b«»m  wbianif^eu  ^auptlina,  ju  SSa^in^^  2X  fc     ^ 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  25 

I  awoke  somewhat  stiff,  but  hopeful,  and  it  occurred  to  me 
that  I  should  first  make  a  convert  of  my  Indian  husband.  Alas ! 
my  first  attempt  was  enough  to  discourage  any  one.  "  Woman  talk 
to  woman,  no  tell  man  what  he  must  do."  That  was  the  end  of  that 
attempt  at  conversion. 

I  subsequently  learned,  what  had  before  been  a  strong  doubt  in  my 
mind,that  the  nobk  Indian  has  nothing  but  ignoble  wives,  or  that  the 
rt  squaw "  is  forced  In  most  cases,  to  do  all  the  menial  labor,  is  in 
fact  a  slave.  This  is  not  always  the  case,  but  to  find  an  Indian 
allowing  his  wife  to  suit  her  own  inclinations  is  indeed  a  rarity. 
Some  Indians  have  several  "  squaws,"  and  among  them  one  favorite 
who  is  allowed  more  privileges  than  the  others.  And  yet  I  have 
found  (not  in  my  own  case,  but  by  observing  other  cases)  Indian 
courtship  to  be  of  the  most  romantic  description — indeed  romance 
forms  the  greater  part  of  the  Indian  nature,  but  like  many  of  their 
"white  brethren,"  the  lover  dies  in  giving  birth  to  the  husband. 

I  have  seen  and  cruelly  felt  the  usage  accorded  the  squaw.     Most 
Indians  look  upon  their  wives  .or  squaws  as  beasts  of  burden.     It  is 
among  the  commonest  sights  in  the  Indian,  even  among  the  partly 
"civilized"  aborigines,  to  see  a  sturdy  fellow  mounted  on  his  pony, 
with  a  gun  across  the  saddle  as  liis  only  burden,  while  his  wife  or 
wives  follow  in  his  trail,  with  the  whole  furniture  of  the  "  lodge  " 
lashed  upon  her,  or  their  backs,  and,  in  addition 
horse  or  cow  by  the  halter — he  riding  along  with 
and  she  trudging  over  the  ground  like  a  "  j>aek-n 
oscapes^kicks  and  blows. 

llow  I  digress  again,  to  be  sure;  but  I  cant  lieh-  it,  I  have  so 
much  to  relate  that  I  scarcely  know  how  to  com  me!  r  second 

night's  halt  was  on  the  stream  of  a  beautiful  roarni<_'  >>•      k,  called  by 
the  Indians  "  Naog,"  which  signifies  roaring.     Nev  !    forget 

the  scene  which  took  place  on  that  stream  that  nSigfu      The  moon 
shone  brightly,  and  not  a  sound,  except  the  fall  in;.-  ^.sturbed 

my  meditation.     I  should  judge  that  it  was  about  u-     o'clock  when 
we  were  both  startled  by  the  sound  of  horses'  feet,  m  \  ;<  .-  «band  ever  o* 


26  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

the  alert  stood  upon  his  guard.  The  horse  soon  dashed  by  us,  disclo& 
ing  an  Indian  rider.  Temulle  (I  like  that  name  better  than  "  Squat- 
ting-Bear ")  hailed  him ;  he  reined  up,  and  seemed  in  doubt  as  to  the 
advisability  of  returning.  My  husband  advanced  and  pointed  his 
gun  at  him,  at  the  same  time  ordering  him  to  advance  and  dismount 
which  he  did.  The  following  coversation,  in  the  Brule  tongue, 
wbich  my  husband  repeated  in  English,  ensued: 

"Whence  come  ye?" 

H  From  the  Blackfeet  nation." 

"  You  are  a  nord-Sioux." 

"  Yes,  my  brother  speaks  truly 

(Here  a  long  silence  ensued,  which  was  broken  by  Temulle,  who 
during  thia  time  had  eyed  the  other  Indian  in  a  manner  which  set 
him  ill  at  ease.) 

"  There  has  been  blood  between  the  Sioux  and  Blackfeet  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"Why  did  you  leave?" 

1  We  were   in  battle  with  our  enemies  against  great  number  ;• 
The  dead  lay  around  us  counting  many.     The  Great  Spirit  forsook 
as." 

"  And  you  fled  ? lt 

"  Yes  "  (hanging  his  head  down). 

"Your  name?" 

"  Manamoor." 

"  Go  thou  to  the  Great  Spirit  and  tell  him  I,  TemulJe,  have  sent 
him  a  coward  that  he  may  know  thee  as  thou  art," 

As  Temulle  sai^  these  words  he  drew  a  pistol — whic 
presented  to  him  at  Washington — and  shot  Manamoor  to  the  heart, 
lie  then  took  the  lifeless  body  and  tied  it  to  a  tree ;  this  done,  he  took 
his  seal  ping-knife  and  drew  two  peculiar  marks  across  the  forehead, 
which  he  informed  me  signified  that  the  dead  Indian  had  lived  a 
toward.  This  was  the  first  of  a  series  of  horrible  sights  which  I 
was  afterwards  doomed  to  behold,  and  the  reader  may  perhaps 
imagine  the  dreadful  eftect  it  produced  upon  my  nerves,  which  were 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  IT 

*n  no  manner  strengthened  by  the  words  shortly  after  spoken  by 
my  husband : 

"  Squaw,  prepare  to  mo-^e ;  my  tribe  is  at  war,  Temulle  goes  tc, 
meet  his  enemies,  Blackfeet  die  by  hundreds.     Come  I " 

So  I  was  forced  to  continue  my  journey,  and  at  last  completely 
worn  out  I,  in  company  with  Temulle,  reached  the  Brule  villaga. 

•^Li*, in  village  dkl  not  differ,  in  point  of  appearance,  from  most 

of  those  I  have  since  seen.  And  I  will  here  take  occasion  to  con- 
elude  one  chapter  and  commence  another,  which  will  give  my  readers 
some  idea  of  the  Indian  physically  and  morally,  their  religion 
euperfititiona  being  duly 


CHAPTER  n. 

THE    INDIANS,    PHYSICALLY    AND    MORALLY   CONSIDERED. 

Indians  generally  are  disposed  to  rove ;  and  in  their 
excursions  they  frequently  encroach  on  the  privileges  of 
their  neighbors,  which  is  seldom  suffered  to  pass  unnoticed, 
and  usually  terminates  in  war ;  a  result  frequently  courted 
with  no  other  view  than  to  school  the  young  warriors,  and 
Afford   the  older  ones  opportunities  to  acquire  distinction.     These 
wars  are  sometimes  of  short  duration ;  at  others  they  only  cease  with 
the  extermination,  or  removal  of  one  of  the  parties. 

When  a  nation  of  Indians  becomes  too  numerous  conveniently  to 
procure  subsistence  from  its  own  hunting-grounds,  it  is  no  uncommon 
occurrence  for  it  to  send  out  a  colony,  or  in  other  words,  to  separate 
into  tribes,  or  families.     Thus  with  the  Sioux  there  arc  the  Brulos, 
^my  husband's  tribe),  the  Nordos,  Washaukee,  Wannie,  etc.     Pre 
paratory  to  such  a  measure,  runners  or  spies  are  sent  in  various 
directions    to   ascertain    the    most   suitable   location.     A   nat 
council  next  hears  the  several  reports,  determines  on  the  plan,  and 
elects  chiefs  to  carry   it   into    operation.     The  pipe  is  then   sr^it 
round,  and  all  who  smoke  it  are  considered  volunteers.     Wben  the 
number  is  properly  proportioned  the  ceremony  of  separati 
place,  is  at  once  accomplished,  and  is  truly  affecting.     The  tribe  so 
separated    maintains  all   its   relations,  independent   of  the    • ---ont 
nation,  though  the  most  friendly  intercourse  is  commonly  in.u   ta       1, 
and  they  are  almost  uniformly  allies.     Separations  sorn<  v 
jpiace  from  party  dissensions,  growing  generally  out  of  t: 
of  the  principal  chiefs,  and  not  unfrequently  out  of  petty  •  /  3 

These  divisions  seldom  last  long,  reconciliation  follows 
OS 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIYE.  2-9 

and  a  re-union  is  effected.     Instances,  however,  I  have  known,  in 
which  the  two  parties  become  the  most  irreconcilable,  rancorous, 
and  deadly  foes,  and  raised  the  tomahawk  against  each  other,  with 
a  malignity  surpassing,  if  possible,  that  exercised    U-' 
nations  totally  distinct  in  consanguinity. 

It  has  been  supposed  by  some,  that  all  the  Indian  nations  speak 
Different  dialects  of  the  same  language,  but  the  case  is  far  otherwise. 
There  are  scarcely  two  nations  between  whom  no  intercourse  exists, 
whose  languages  are  so  similar,  as  to  be  mutually  understood  by  the 
respective  individuals  of  each ;  indeed,  I  fully  believe  there  are 
none,  although  the  circumstance  of  origin,  descent,  immediate  neigh 
borhood,  intermarriages,  voluntary  associations,  friendly  intercourse, 
and-  the  incorporation  of  the  vanquished  of  one  tribe  with  another, 
have  material1/  modified,  and,  in  many  instances,  effected  a  strong 

i  some  of  them. 

Among  n#i!  ms  more  remote,  some  words  of  the  same  pronuncia 
tion,  and  of  the  same  and  different  imports,  are  used ;  but  instances 
«f  this  nature  do  not  occur  sufficiently  often  to  materially  alter  their 
character,  and  they  maintain  their  distinctiveness,  with  as  much 
force  perhaps  as  do  the  English,  French,  German,  and  Russian  Inn 
guages.  It  is  true  that  an  individual  of  one  nation  may,  by  the 
assistance  of  signs,  make  himself  sufficiently  understood  to  hold  a 
conversation  on  all  ordinary  subjects,  with  strangers  of  almost 
every  other ;  but  then  it  should  be  remembered,  that  their  languages 
r«~4-pi™  greatly  of  the  pantomimic,  and  that  their  poverty  is,  to  a 
•able  degree,  made  up  for  by  those  impressive  and  common 
ies.  The  Indian  languages  suffer  frequent  and  considerable 

JLU  icgard  to  the  signs  used  by  Indians  to  connect  their  words  or 
fender  their  languages  intelligible,  very  little  of  a  satisfactory  nature 
can  be  said  ;  because  they  are  so  variously  adapted  to  their  different 
subjects  of  conversation  as  in  general  to  baffle  description.  In 
order  to  comprehend  them  fully  it  is  necessary  to  understaud  their 
'dinms  and  habits. 


80  MISS   JABBER'S   NARKATIVK. 

In  talking  of  an  enemy  they  assume  a  ferocious  attitude  and 
aspect,  seize  hold  of,  and  brandish  their  weapons  of  war,  in  precisely 
the  same  manner  as  they  would  do  if  they  were  in  his  presence,  and 
about  to  engage  in  a  deadly  conflict.  The  wampum  and  pipe  are 
handled  in  conversations  on  peaceful  subjects,  and  everything  con 
nected  with  them  is  diametrically  reversed. 

In  speaking  of  men,  game,  birds,  trees,  marching,  hunting,  swim 
ming,  etc.,  etc.,  the  Indian  displays  a  wonderful  power  for  acting 
and  imitating,  and  the  peculiarity  of  each,  individually,  is  imitated 
in  so  happy  a  manner,  as  to  be  readily  understood  by  those  ac 
quainted  with  the  qualities  of  the  subject  intended  to  be  described, 
although  they  should  be  entire  strangers  to  the  language. 

In  their  writing  and  correspondence,  the  Indians  make  use  alto 
gether  of  hieroglyphics.  It  is  doubtful  if  they  had  a  knowledge 
of  methodical  combination  whether  their  language  would  admit  of 
its  use.  They  inscribe  their  correspondence,  and  such  subjects  as 
require  to  be  recorded,  on  the  inner  bark  of  the  white  birch,  or  on 
skins  prepared  for  the  purpose.  In  the  reasoning,  the  judgment 
and  perceptions  of  an  Indian  are,  generally  speaking,  clear  and 
quick,  and  their  arguments  ingenious  and  cogent. 

In  respect  to  the  origin  of  their  religion,  the  Indians  themselves 
are  altogether  ignorant.  It  is  certain,  however,  that  they  acknowl 
edge,  at  least  so  far  as  my  acquaintance  extends,  one  supreme,  ali 
powerful,  and  intelligent  Being,  viz.:  the  "Great  Spirit,"  or  the 
Giver  of  Life,  who  created  and  governs  all  things. 

They  believe,  in  general,  that  after  the  hunting  grounds  had  been 
formed  and  supplied  with  game,  that  he  created  the  first  red  man 
and  woman,  who  were  very  large  in  their  stature,  and  lived  to  axj 
exceedingly  old  age ;  that  he  often  held  councils  with  them,  gav« 
them  laws  to  be  observed,  and  taught  them  how  to  take  game  and 
cultivate  corn,  but  that  in  consequence  of  their  disobedience,  h« 
withdrew  from,  and  abandoned  them  to  the  Wallertozcor,  (Bad 
Spirit,)  who  had  since  been  instrumental  to  all  their  degeneracy  arid 
sufferings,  [This  fact  singularly  coincides,  in  a  great  measure, 


MY  DOMESTIC  DUTIES  PRACTISED  UNDER   DIFFICULTY.     JEALOUSY  OF 

ME-EM-O-LE. 

v  SReine  &du$Hdjcn  ^fli^ten  un^c?  Oc^roierigfeit  auSQeubt.    Giferfuc^t  Don 


MISS   BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  l  S* 

Bible  view  of,  earth's  formation,  and  the  story  of  Adam  and  Eve 
in  the-  "  Happy  Land  of  Paradise,"  and  will  aflbrd  a  subject  for 
meditation,  when  we  consider  that  the  story  has  been  familiar  to 
the  Indians  before  the  white  man  came  among  them.]  They  believe 
the  Great  Spirit  to  be  of  a  too  exalted  character  to  be -directly  the 
author  of  evil,  and  that,  notwithstanding  the  offences  of  his  red 
children  he  continues  to  shower  down  on  them  all  the  blessings 
they  enjoy ;  in  consequence  of  this  parental  regard  for  them,  they 
are  truly  filial  and  sincere  in  their  devotions  to  him  for  such  thing; 
as  they  need,  and  return  thanks  for  such  good  things  as  they  receive 

On  the  other  hand,  when  in  affliction,  or  suffering  under  anj 
great  calamity,  in  the  belief  tnat  it  will  appease  his  wrath  or  mit-i 
gate  his  chastisements,  they  pray  with  equal  fervency  to  the  Evi) 
Spirit,  who,  they  conceive,  is  a  character  directly  the  reverse  of  the 
•  Good  Spirit,  to  whom  he  is  inferior,  but,  nevertheless,  has  sufficient 
power,  and  is  constantly  devising  means  to  torment  and  punish  them. 
8y  the  terra  spirit,  the  Indians  have  an  idea  of  a  being  that  can,  at 
pleasure,  be  present,  and  yet  invisible ;  they  nevertheless  think  th<s 
Great  Spirit,  like  themselves,  possessed  of  a  corporeal  form,  though 
endowed  with  a  nature  infinitely  more  excellent  than  theirs,  and 
which  will  endure  forever  without  change.  Although  they  believe 
in  a  future  state  of  existence,  they  associate  it  with  natural  things. 
Their  "hunting  ground"  or  heavea,  they  believe,  will  be  a  place 
wher^  game  i?  abundant,  and  where  there  is  perpetual  spring  and 
cloudless  *ky. 

They  expect  that  their  sensual  pleasures  will  be  in  proportion  to 
hi'UVKiual  merit;  the  brave  warrior,  expert  hunter,  and  those  slain 
in  buttle  m  defence  of  theii  country,  having  the  highest  claims,  will 
be  th«  mom,  distinguished;  while  those  of  subordinate  pretensions, 
will  <n».eupY  subordinate  positions. 

They  have  no  particular  days  set  apart  for  devotional  purposes, 
though  they  have  particular  times ;  such,  for  instance,  as  declara 
tion  of  war,  the  restoration  of  peace,  and  extraordinary  natural 
visitations.  Their  mann^  of  worshipping  the  Deity  differs  on 


•4  MISS   BARBER'S  NABRATIVB. 

different  occasions.     Shortly  after  a  council  of  war,  every 
that  is  able  to  walk,  and  the  old  men  sometimes  borne 
«4ssemble  in  a  grove,  or  some  other  place  rendered  aacr 
occasion,  and  offer  up  their  prayers  to  the  Great  Spirit  1  »r  snaoocwtt 
j»gainst  their  enemies. 

Sometimes  the  devotional  exercises  are  pantomimic  and  j  dl 

silent ;  at  others,  ejaculatory  and  vociferous.  As  I  pro 
my  narrative  I  shall  take  occasion  to  remark  upon  othc 
of  the  Indians  and  their  costumes,  etc.,  but  I  must  now  fc 
actual  thread  of  my  story 


CHAPTER  III. 

'JH    T    ARRIVE    AT    THE    BRULK    VILLAGE-*-AM    INTRODUCED 
TO   ITS    INHABITANTS,    LISTEN    TO   A    STIRRING    NARRATIVE,    AXB 
.        CIPATE   IN   SEVERAL   THRILLING   ADVENTURES. 

\fr  HEN  we  arrived  at  the  Brule  village  I  witnessed  for  the  first 
time  Indians  at  devotional  exercises.     Our  arrival  amongst 
^v-'!         them   did  not  cause   the  slightest   interruption  to   their 
ceremony  (an  example  which  might  well  be  imitated  by 
their  white  brethren).     At  the  conclusion  we  learned  that 
ftlie  <       Julty  which  Manamoor  had  related  as  having  occurred  with 
ikfeet  had  been  amicably  adjusted.     The  Indians  gathered 
arov;       as,  and  after  their  manner  welcomed  Temulle's  white  squaw, 
moment  I  imagined  everything.     I  thought  I  saw  looks  of 
7  and  hatred  dart  forth  from  the  eyes  of  my  dusky  sex 
wsembled — at  one  moment  I  expected  to  see  them  rush  upon 
me  '.       tear  me  to  pieces.     At  length  some  of  the  Indian  maidens 
re ctly  up  to  me  and  examined  my  costume  critically.     The 
Drtion  of  the  village  then  withdrew,  and  Temulle,  who  had 

•  see  the  Great  Chief  at  Washington  (Johnson),  was,  for  the 
»            ing,  the  hero. 

iwhile  I  was  an  object  of  the  greatest  curiosity  to  the  red- 
ski  ii  nales.  Many  of  them  could  speak  a  little  English,  but  there 
ut  two  with  whom  I  could  converse  with  any  satisfaction. 
'  these  I  had  noticed  standing  aloof  from  the  others,  and 
jh  she  looked  towards  me,  there  was  not  that  amount  of 
aess  in  her  glance  which  could  be  plainly  seen  in  the  eyes 
.nners  of  the  others.  I  beckoned  to  her,  and  she  came  grace- 

•  me.    She  was  of  rare  beauty,  compared  with  her  companion* 

bar  eyes,  which  were  blue,  there  dwelt  a  world  of  *oul 

a» 


36  MISS   BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

"  What  is  your  name  ?  "  I  asked. 

;toHie."     (The  meaning  of  which  is  "from  the  Great  Spirit.") 
•  is  a  very  pretty  name,  and  you  are  a  very  pretty  girl." 

my  sister  think  I  know  not  that?     Each  stream  of  water 
tells  me  one,  and  the  sound  of  the  other  is  sufficient." 
•    "  \V  ill  Deitosie  walk  with  me  toward  my  chief's  hut  ?  " 

She  consented,  and  arm  in  arm  we  walked  toward  the  centre  of 
the  village,  where,  pointing  out  a  hut,  decorated  with  blankets  and 
buffalo  robes,  many  of  which  were  gorgeously  painted,  she  informed 
me  that  there  I  could  rest.  Accordingly,  after  taking  a  general 
survey  of  the  interior,  I  lay  me  down  and  soon  fell  asleep.  When 
I  awoke  Deitosie  stood  beside  me,  and  my  first  glance  met  her  eyes. 
She  smiled  sweetly,  and  I  arose  from  my  couch. 

She  inquired  if  I  slept  well,  and  on  my  answering  in  the  affirma 
tive,  she  proposed  a  walk,  to  which  I  freely  consented.  Just  as  we 
were  about  to  leave  the  hut,  there  entered  an  old  squaw  and  a  young 
one  about  fourteen  years  of  age,  I  should  judge.  With  mereiy  a 
glance  at  them,  taking  it  for  granted  that  one  was  the  mother,  and, 
the  other  the  sister  of  Temulle,  I  followed  Deitosie.  We  had  walked 
some  distance,  when  my  companion  turned  and  asked  me  to  relate 
ker  my  history.  I  did  so,  and  gradually  turned  our  conversation 
upon  religion.  We  conversed  for  some  time,  and  I  may  as  well 
here  state  tkat  Deitosie  became  a  devout  convert,  as  did  also  one 
other  Indian  maiden,  of  whom  I  shall  have  occasion  to  hereafter 
speak.  3*  saiij 

We  had  walked  a  long  way  from  the  village,  when  we  came  to  a 
beautiful  mountain  path.  Up  this  we  went  until  the  summit  was 
reached.  Here  ^e  sat  down  near  the  edge  of  a  frightful  abyss. 
Deitosie  related  a  legend  connected  with  this  particular  spot. 

Many  years  ago  an  Indian  maiden  who  had  married  a  *  Brave," 
and  by  him  given  birth  to  a  child,  was  in  the  habit  of  visiting  the 
apot  to  meet  the  return  of  her  husband.  In  the  same  tribe  there 
waa  another  brave  who  had  been,  before  her  marriage,  very  per- 
aiateat  in  hia  attentions  toward  her.  She  did  not  love  Wannotee, 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  87 

the  name  of  her  rejected  lover,  and  so  gave  her  heart  to 
One  evening  she  repaired  to  the  meeting  place  as 
her  child  in  her  arms.     She  had  been  there  but  a  short 
Wannotee  was  seen  by  her  coming  up  the  path.     There 
g  strange  in  this,  so  she  paid  no  attention  to  his  appru-««'h. 
int  he  was  by  her  side,  and  pouring  into  her  ears  such 
s  no  squaw  who  loves  her  brave  would  listen  to.     With 
es  she  sprang  to  her  feet  and  demanded  his  instant  de 
le  merely  laughed  scornfully,  and  springing  toward  her 
ler  in  his  arms.     She  struggled  bravely,  but  to  no  pur- 
5  was  but  a  child  in  the  iron  hands  of  Wannotee.    With 
scream,  she  cried  for  help.     The  voice  of  Sumsumot 
n  response,  and  ere  long  he  dashed  in  sight,  on  the  rock 
)ve  them,     Sumsumot,  in  a  clear  ringing  voice,  com- 
3  rival  to  unhand  his  wife  under  pain  of  instant  deatk. 
For  Wannotee  shouted,  "  Fire  but  one  shot,  and  your  squaw 

and  el  siO  hurl  below  me." 

his  time  the  Indian  wife  was  making  fearful  struggles  to 
self,  and  Wannotee  was  being  backed,  without  knowing 
;he  brink  of  the  frightful  abyss.     The  despair  of  Si*m- 
witnessed  this  scene  was  terrible.     To  leave  his  position 
k  and  reach  his  wife  in  time  to  save  her  from  being 
>  the  abyss  was  impossible.     To  fire  was  a  great  riaka^t, 
hoot  his  wife  or  child.     He  then  opened  a  parley  with 
opponent.     Wannotee  would  agree  but  to  one  thing- 
must  swear  by  the  Great  Spirit  to  give  him  his  squaw, 
s  papoose  where  he  chose.     In  the  agony  of  despair,  at 
3e  words,  Sumsmmot  fired  upon  Waunotee,  the  shot  took 
or  a  moment  he  relinquished  his  hold  upon  the  woman, 
id  beyond  description,  stood  perfectly  still,  nor  made  no 
sape.     Wannotee  staggered  and  seehicd  about  to  drop 
with   one  last,   almost  superhuman   effort,,  he   sprang 
Indian  woman,  seized  her  in  his  arms,  and  with  a  won- 
jleared  the  edge  of  the  abyss.     The  shout  of  Wauootai 


88  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

and  the  chilling  scream  of  the  woman  greeted  Sumsumot,  a  crashing 
ar-caa  followed,  and  then  all  was  still  as  death. 

Sumsumot,  for  a  time,  lay  senseless,  but  recovering  himself  he 
arose  with  the  face  of  a  demon.  His  Indian  nature  panted  for 
revenge ;  he  went  back  to  the  village,  related  his  story  to  four  chiefs, 
and  then,  with  knife  and  gun,  killed  all  of  Wannotee'*  *elatives. 
He  then  ran,  followed  by  the  braves  of  the  village,  who  were  s<* 
astounded  at  the  murders,  and  the  rapidity  with  which  he  committed 
them,  that  they  were  powerless  for  the  time  to  restrain  him.  Sum- 
sumot  ran  until  he  arrived  at  the  abyss  where  the  tragedy  occurred, 
and  with  a  look  and  cry  of  despair,  leaped  into  the  darkness  below. 
The  remains  were  afterwards  found  by  some  Indians,  who  erected  a 
rude  monument  on  the  spot,  and  ever  afterwards  the  rock  upon 
which  Deitosie  and  I  sat,  was  known  as  "  Cantowinnie  "  (Abyss  of 
Despair). 

Afterward,  in  conversation  with  Deitosie,  I  learned,  with  feelings 
of  disgust  and  surprise,  that  the  little  Indian  girl,  and  the  old  squaw 
whom  I  had  seen  entering  Temulle's  hut,  were  his  wives.  The  girl 
could  not  have  been  fourteen  years  of  age — in  fact  was  no£,  as  I 
afterward  learned — and  the  old  squaw  was  nearly  sixty.  Certainly 
this  information  was  enough  to  upset  all  feelings  of  romance,  had  1 
ever  entertained  any ;  but  it  was  not  that  which  hurt  me  so,  it  waa 
the  idea  of  being  wedded  to  a  man  who  already  had  two  other  wives. 

Deitosie  and  myself  soon  arrived  at  the  village,  and  there  I  was 
formally  introduced  by  my  husband  to  his  wives,  Nos.  1  and  2 ;  and 
afterwards  the  chiefs  came  in  one  at  a  time  and  spoke  some  oily 
language  relative  to  their  feelings  of  respect  and  admiration  for 
their  *  white  daughter." 

.  The  next  day  found  me  awake  bright  and  early,  but  not  before 
Temulle,  who  had  been  up  an  hour  sooner.  As  I  made  my  exit 
from  the  door  of  the  hut  I  met  him.  He  saluted  me,  half  in  the 
manner  of  a  cavalier,  and  that  of  a  person  who  had  gained  a  victory, 
and  beheld  his  captive..  I  asked  him  what  were  to  be  my  duties, 
and  expressed  a  willingness  to  commence  at  once.  He  answered 
mo  thu*  •— 


I 


MISS   BARBER'S   NARRATIVE.  41 

e  squaw  do  to  look  at  somwnme ;  when  me  wank  her  work,, 
er  so.     Let  the  other  tw.  work  for  you." 
here  remark,  that  my  husband's  English  was  not  so  pure 
f  Deitosie.     The  latter,  br  the  way,  was  of  the  Cheyenne 
Ler  father  had  been  one  of  a  bony  of  Indiana  who 

main   body  because  of  a  quarrel,  and   being  driven  from 

to  another,  himself,  daughter,  'and  a  young  Cheyenne 
ssassa  by  name,  had  joined  the  Brule-Sioux. 
;  my  second  day  I  conversed  religiously  with  all  thfe 
villing  to  listen,  who  could  understand  English.  My  first 
attempt  was  anything  but  encouraging,  and  I  finally  concluded  to 
p  until  I  could  master  the  Sioux  language.  This  I  did,  I 

easily,  and  before  long  I  was  enabled  to  offer  up  prayers 
'ho  was,  I  taught  them,  the  Great  Spirit  of  all  men,  women, 
.ren,  no  matter  what  their  color  might  be.  My  attempts  to 
I  reform  the  Indian  children  were  treated  with  indifference 
and  empt,  and  I  may  perhaps  be  allowed  some  credit,  when  1 
at  I  continued  under  the  discouraging  auspices  nearly  one 

during  that  time  made  two  converts — Deitosie  and  Winno- 
iy  husband's  young  wife). 
i  been  among  the  Siotrx  about  six  months,  when  an  event 

which  horrified  me  extremely.     One  day  a  number  of 
eturned   from  a   hunting   expedition,   accompanied   by  a 
>f  the   U.  S.  Army,  en  costume,  whom  they  had  captured, 
ves  reported  that  he  had  deserted  from  his  company,  and 
Dmetime  past  been  amusing  himself  by  lying  in  arnbuscn  1*: 
>ting  Indians  as  they  passed.     In   conversation  with1  him 
fiber  his  arrival,  he  informed  me  that  he  had  received 
;,  (which  he  showed  me,)  and  had  skirted  home  in  conipait 
irty  of  hunters,  from  whom  he  became  lost.     He  belonged 

rty-second  U.  S.  Infantry ;  but  I  have  forgotten  his  name, 
ians  had,  without  doubt,  confounded  him  with  another 
>m  he  had  heard  of,  and  whose  name  was  Fly  Jones,  but. 
lined  from  the  Indians  the  appellation  of  '•  Indiamo  A  pea  n 


*2  MISS   BARBER'S  NARRATIYK. 

My  sympathies  were,  of  course,  aroused  in  this  poor  man's  behalt 
8ut  what  could  I  do  ?  And  yet,  perhaps,  my  husband  might  exert 
his  influence  for  my  sake.  I  concluded  to  ask  him.  Temulle'i  jeal 
ousy  was  greatly  aroused,  when  I  appeared  before  him  and  upon  my 
knees  besought  him  to  plead  for  the  soldier's  life.  He  accuged  me 
of  wishing  the  "  pale  face  "  to  become  my  lover ;  and  this  attempt 
at  the  "  Pocahontas  business  "  ended  by  my  being  placed  in  the  hut 
under  guard  of  th«  old  hag,  and  the  little  child-wife. 

During  the  day  of  the  capture  the  old  hags  and  boys  of  the  Til 
lage  were  permitted  to  torment  the  prisoner  with  taunts,  shooting 
headless  arrows  at  him,  sticking  him  with  Indian  toy -knives,  etc. 
At  night  the  stake,  at  which  he  was  to  be  burned,  was  driven  in  the 
ground ;  and  soon  after  the  soldier  was  brought  forward,  bound 
securely,  and  dry  brush  heaped  around  him.  Temulle,  in  a  jealous 
fit,  desired  that  I  should  witness  the  scene.  I  protested,  but  to  no 
effect,  and  was  forced  to  go  to  the  spot.  I  endeavored  to  close  my 
^ves  to  this  dreadful  scene,  but  could  wot. 

Once  tied  to  the  stake  the  Indians  am  used  themselves  for  about 
^  hour,  by  throwing  the  tomahawk ;  the  objeci  being  10  see  how 
near  they  could  come  to  hitting  his  head—  .vithout  touching  it. 
None  but  experts  were  allowed  to 'participate  in  thin  amusement, 
and  their  dexterity  was  truly  astonishing  With  closed  eyes  the 
prisoner  stood,  and  awaited  his  death,  for  he  evidently  did  not  know 
but  what  they  were  trying,  in  this  manner,  to  split  his  head  open. 
This  amusement  over,  the  brush  was  carefully  placed  around  him. 
Then  the  Indians  drew  lots,  but  for  what,  1  could  not  at  the  moment 
perceive.  I  was  not  left  long  in  doubt,  for  the  ^successful  Indian 
stepped  out  from  the  circle,  and  in  a  moment  had  completely  scalped 
the  soldier.  At  this  horrible  sight  I  fainted;  and  when  I  returned 
to  consciousness,  the  prisoner's  body  was  burned  as  far  up  as  his 
chest,  and  the  crisp  flesh  was  rapidly  falling  into  the  fire  beneath 
him.  Life  by  this  time  was  extinct ;  but  there,  with  the  eyes  start 
ing  from  their  sockets,  was  his  head,  with  ghastly  appe*~i»nce,  still 
the  post,  his  neck  having  beer)  secur**1*'  '«*<stened.  This 


MISS  BARBEB'S  NARRATIVE.  «t 

second  awful  sight  caused  another  fainting  spell,  and  just  before  I 
lost  consciousness  this  time,  I  could  see  the  squaws  around  me,  and 
hear  their  jeers  at  the  weakness  of  the  sickly  pale  face  squaw. 

These  horrible  scenes  so  worked  upon  my  nerves,  that  for  two 
days  I  lay  in  a  helpless  condition.  During  that  time  I  resolved  to 
escape,  if  a  possibility  of  such  a  feat  presented  itself.  The  second 
day  of  my  illness  brought  with  it  a  visit  from  Beitosie,  who  was 
accompanied  by  a  tall  fine  looking  Indian,  whom  she  informed  me, 
(aside,)  was  thought  to  be  crazy  by  the  Brule  tribe ;  but  who,  she 
assured  me,  was  far  from  being  a  lunatic.  Trouble  had  brought 
upon  him  eccentric  manners. 

After  conversing  awhile  with  Deitosie,  I  opened  a  correspondence 
with  the  young  Indian  chief,  who  eventually  allowed  himself  to  ma 
into  his  old  train  of  thoughts,  and  I  finally  persuaded  him  to  giv« 
me  his  story  of  sufferings,  adventure,  and  BO"*>W,  im  ftdL  of  whioh 
I  propose  making  a  separate 


. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

WHICH   WAJLNATAA  RELATES   HIS  STORY  OF  8TRANG          r0i  »AW 
ING   ADVENTURE,  EXTREMELY   THRILLING  IN   ITS  ff 

)Y  tribe  is  that  which  was  once  known  only  as 
tas,"  but  the  greater  part  of  which  is  now 
Sioux.  My  people  have  wronged  me  greatly 
never  return  to  them.  My  people  are  rnostl 
term  savages,  and  many  of  them  are  drunk j 
fiuence  of  your  civilization  being  forced  upon  them  pi 
the  shape  of  "  fire-water."  To  become  a  chief  among 
one  must,  at  least,  have  scalped  a  warrior  of  another  trib< 
to  have  done  so,  by  producing  the  scalp ;  I  was  not  n; 
posed  to  acquire  either  of  these  bloody  trophies,  and  c- 
I  was  despised  as  a  coward  by  my  people;  although  I 
shown  any  fear  in  fighting  or  exposing  my  life,  when 
vade<?  the  territory  of  the  Pawnees,  with  whom  we  wer<  mrta 
ba  wa,  :art. 

Dur  ng  one  of  tnese  expeditions,  I  ventured  myself      -her  TIOM 
one  oi  the  Pawnee  villages,  many  miles  distant  from  c 
expecti  ig  to  find  an  opportunity  for  some  exploit  of 
skill ;  vhich  might  prove  that  I  was  not  such  a  coward 
pie  supposed  me  to  be,  for  none  of  them  had  ever  gon» 
near,  or  rather  among  the  Pawnees,  being  thus  expose 
scalping  knife,  and  full  vent  of  their  hatred. 

Seeing   no  warrior  about  the  village,  that  the  main 
warriors  was  absent  on  an  excursion;  so  I  laid  myself  < 
ambush  among  the  bushes,  where  I  waited  for  some 
The  great  light  of  the  world  had  already  sunk  half  its  * 
I  saw  *  beautiful  Pawnee  girl  approaching  me,  as 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  46 

^A  a  lamb  might  approach  a  hidden  wolf.     I  did  not  stn   but  letvhe? 
pass  by,  while  I  scarcely  breathed  for  fear  I  should  frighten  her 
As  she  passed  I  withdrew  a  little  from  my  concealment,  and  turnup 
ghe  saw  me.     At  first  she  was  startled..   I  arose  to   my  feet:   bin 
instead  of  running   away  she  stood  still,   and  waited  until    I 
reached  her,  when  she  smiled  and  said :  "Although  you  are  ;\  Sioux 
you  will  neither  kill  nor  strike  me;  for  your  eyes  look  mild,  ana 
they  speak  a  language  which  tells  me  you  are  good  and  brave  and 
would  not  harm  me." 

This  confiding  address  disarmed  me,  and  throwing  away  my 
weapons  to  show  my  friendly  intentions,  I  said  in  reply,  "  Fair 
maiden,  your  words  are  sweet,  and  your  features  vie  with  t/is 
brilliancy  of  the  morning  sun.  If  I  were  not  a  Sioux,  I  would  he 
a  Pawnee  and  hunt  for  you  alone.  Tell  me  your  name,  fair  maiden." 

She  looked  down  and  said:  "Although  you  are  a  Sioux.  I  lite 
to  believe  in  your  friendliness,  and  shall.  First  tell  me  your  name." 

"Waanataal" 

"  Thea  you  are  the  grandson  of  the  far-famed  chief?  Well,  my 
name  is  Diora,  the  daughter  of  Petalso,  whom  they  call  the  bravest 
of  the  braves." 

"  Then,"  said  I,  "  Diora,  the  daughter  of  Petalso,  is  a  fit  companion 
for  Waanataa.  Will  she  accompany  him  as  his  squaw  1  n 

She  made  answer :  "  Diora  is  an  orphan  now.  No  Pawnee  has 
yet  moved  her  heart.  She  has  seen  Waanataa  and  will  follow  him." 

When  she  concluded  1  caught  her  in  my  arms,  invoking  the  sanc 
tion  and  aid  of  the  Great  Spirit  to  our  union,  and  answered  in 
delight  from  my  soul :  "  Diora  has  nay  heart,  none  ether  shall  have 
my  lodge,  and  for  thee  alone  will  I  hunt  the  forest  game." 

We  then  sat  down  and  ate  together  our  first  common  meal,  a  j><» 
tion  of  my  provisions  taken  along  with  me,  looking  and  siniliiiL'  ••* 
each  other.     Some  hours  past  until  we  thought  of  leaving,  a  diih 
culty  by  n*  means  easily  got  over,  when,  as  if  to  aid  our  flight,  the 
sun   oecame  obscured  by  passing  clouds,  which  were  of  a  settled 
nature,  and  would  thus  hide  the  moon's  rising,  and  favor  our  flight 
toward  mr  borne 


*6  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

We  /  Jked  along  swiftly,  but  in  silence,  until  the  1 
star  ar  •  aded  from  beyond  the  far  mountains,  and  jo^ 
face ;    -t  a  welcome  to  us  gave.     Suddenly  I  heard  a 
and  V/ifore  long  the  war  whoop  of  the  Pawnee  ran 
Diora,   trembled,   and   exclaimed :   "  Mackatana-Nam 
Th under.)     His  band,  they  are  going  to  invade  your 
trif«l  to  aoothe  my  frightened  dove,  who  now  informe  '  me,  in  * 
won  Is,  that  she  had  some  time  ago  refused  to  become  the  squaw  of 
Black  Thunder,  the  leader  of  the  body  of  Pawnee  no\ 

I  had  almost  given  up  in  despair,  when,  to  my  gre* 
intense  gratification,  1  beheld  three  horses,  caparisone*  -*<v«e 

daddies,  tied  to  trees  directly  in  front  of  us.  Withe 
inquire  for  their  owners,  I  hastily  seated  Diora  OD 
myself  upon  another,  and  with  a  joyful  heart  urged 
The  swiftness  and  strength  of  our  noble  horses  couL  3  ?»ve  u» 

from  destruction  at  the  hands  of  Black  Thunder,  w  -ongeanee 

would  thus  be  doubly  satisfactory,  on  account  of  re  tovQ'aiui 

of  national  hatred.     But  I  was  resolved  that  he  sho 
ture  my  bride,  nor  dance  round  my  scalp;  and  we  c  ••%  at 

a  wonderful  speed,  for  of  noble  blood  our  suddenly  ac-^ 
proved. 

Thus  we  flew  o'er  the  ground,  followed  closely  by  Black  Th 
who  had  now  obtained  a  sight  of  us.     On,  on,  we  went,  the  «    mon 
Pawnee  and  his  band  following  like  a  gloomy  cloud  chased  by 
whose  howling  was  more  than  outdone  by  the  dreadful  war  wK    p  of 
our  fierce  pursuers.    Two  of  my  pursuers  were  greatly  in  advr ,•  ,-•«  of 
the  others.    When  the  foremost  got  near  enough,  he  fired  his  "  i 
us,  but  in  vain.     I  then  wielded  and  stopped  my  horse,  aim.  ;  and 
fired,  whereupon  my  would-be  assassin  fell  from  his  horse,    ead; 
but  in  the  meantime  the  other  Pawnee  had  reached  to  within  , 
distance,  when  he  too  fired  upon  us,  but  luckily  without  eflx 
still  pushed  forward  however,  and  seeing  that  we  were- likely 
ihis  scene  by  a  hand-to-hand  encounter,  I  dismounted,  givi- 
horse's  rein  to  Diora.  whom  I  bade  hold  fast  and  remain  net 


MY   SUFFERINGS  KNEW  NO   BOUNDS.      THE   FIEND  WAS   AT  NO   LOSS  TO   DEVISK 
SCHEMES   OF   TORTURE." 

3Keine  JMben  naftmen  fcin  (Snbe.    &er  fceinb  fam  uie  in  5Bcrleflcn^eitf  nene  Dnden  ju  erfhtbeu." 


MISS   BAKBKKIS   NARRATIVE.  49 

I  had  hardly  dismounted,  when,  with  an  angry  snort  my  horse  je  ked 
loose  from  her  grasp,  and  ran  away.  This  was  unfortunate,  but 
there  was  no  time  for  thoughts  of  that  kind,  for  my  antagonist  was 
now  jpon  me. 

As  he  came  near  he  cast  a  glance  toward  Diora.  A  sudden  fur 
ious  yell  escaped  him;  but  I  claimed  his  attention  with  my  toma 
hawk,  which  clanked  against  his  with  repeated  strokes,  till  at  length 
e  lost  his  balance,  and  fell  from  his  horse  with  a  heavy  groan,  for 
with  a  sudden  blow,  in  which  was  centred  all  my  strength,  I  brought 
my  tomahawk  down  with  a  force  which  sent  it  slicing  through  his 
right  shoulder  and  completely  severed  his  arm  from  his  body.  In 
Calling  his  foot  caught  in  the  stirrup,  and  his  head  came  in  viok-nt 
contact  with  a  rock  close  by.  He  now  seemed  to  wait  for  beiag 
scalped  and  killed ;  but  I,  although  his  fair  vanquisher,  declired 
taking  the  trophy,  nor  did  I  kill  him ;  to  save  Diora  was  my  01  ly 
purpose,  and  I  should  feel  my  cheeks  with  rery  shame  burning,  tad 
I  struck  a  conquered  and  fallen  enemy. 

With  a  leap  I  now  swung  myself  upon  the  back  of  Black  Thun 
der's  horse,  leaving  its  owner  prostrate,  and  about  half  dead  on  the 
ground ;  for  I  had  no  time  to  spare,  as  my  enemies  were  now  in  a 
body  close  upon  me.     It  would  have  been  madness  to  confront  this 
great  number,  and  wisely  I  decided  in  favor  of  flight. 

My  enemies,  as  soon  as  they  came  to  their  fallen  leader,  stopped, 
and  remained  busily  engaged  about  him ;  while  every  moment  thua 
spent  was  a  new  lease  of  life  to  me  and  mine.  He  was  perhaps 
induced,  by  my  generosity  in  sparing  his  life  and  in  not  scalping 
him.  to  forbid  his  warriors  all  further  pursuit  of  us,  or  remained  un- 
cousck''iB,  or  was  dead;  and  they  would  not  fight  without  him,  for 
we  aaw  no  more  of  them  that  day. 

Diora  was  very  talkative,  both^|  riding  and  resting;  and  related 
u>  me  some  very  interesting  incidents  of  her  father's  and  grand- 
tiuher's  tribes,  which  I  now  try  to  repeat  in  her  own  words,  as  near 
as  possible : — 

*'  Wher   my  father  was  still  very  young,  though  he  had  already 

4 


50  MTSS   P> A  RP>KK'S~  NARRATIVE 

distinguished  himsolf  in  battles,  for  which  our  people  es<       led 
as  a  chief,  the  Pnwnees  made  war  on  the  Iteans,  of  whc 
gquaw  was  captured  by  one  of  our  warriors. 

•'He  gave  her  up  to  the  rnedicine-man,  who  doomer  r* 

barn 3d  alive  at  the  stake,  in  sacrifice  to  the  Great  Star.  :,  my 

great  and  famous  grandfather,  whom  they  called  with  g  -.oct 

the  Knife-chief,  had  always  opposed  that  old  cruel  cus  •  our 

people;  but  they  listened  more  to  the  medicine-man,  t'  .>im, 

except  in  warfare.     So  the  unfortunate  Itean  squaw  w?  ,-.1  to 

the  stake  around  which  our  people  assembled  in  largo 
Bee  her  die  in  the  flames. 

"My  father  was  sitting  silent  among  the  spectators.     Tl  e  /braes 
had  nearly  reached  their  intended  victim,  when,  lo!  the  y 
stood  suddenly  by  her  side,  tore  the  binding  ropes  a: 
carried  her  in  his  arms  past  the  perplexed  crowds,  to 
some  distance,  where  he  had  previously  fastened  two  s 
These  horses  they  mounted  and  soon  disappeared  from 
the  astonished  multitude.     lie  conveyed  her  safe  to  the 
try ;  and  returned  to  his  own,  unconcerned  at  the  cons- 
his  daring  act,  which  no  other  Pawnee  warrior  would 
but  none  durst  censure  him,  not  even  the  medicine-mo 
the  most  disappointed  of  all;  and  the  virtuous  Lcteel  a} 
good  action  of  his  noble  son,  of  whom  he  was  not  a  littl 

"  Before  getting  married,  my  father  was  sent  by  ou 
the  Great  Father  at  Washington,   the  big  village  of 
where  their  fine  and  young  squaws  tried  every  means 
heart,  and  loved  him  very  much ;  because  they  had  he  v  he 

rescued  the   young  Itean  squaw,  telling  him  he  was  >od, 

everything  that  was  noble,  and  they  gave  him  a  mec  .-leaf 
metal  bright  which  they  called  sijyer,  and  on  it  were  mA~k*  which 
were  to  mean  such  fine  words,  thaW  learned  them  by  heart  0-  >  my 
mother,  who  to  me  repeated  them  so  often :  '  Brother,  a 
token  of  our  esteem ;  always  wear  it  for  our  sakes,  and  when  agaia 
TOW  h*ve  the  power  to  save  a  young  woman  from  torture  or  from 


MISS  BABBERV  NAEBATIVK  51 

death,  remember  this  and  us,  and  fty  «o  her  rescue.'  He  wore  that 
medal  attached  to  a  string,  and  was  .ery  proud  of  it.  When  he 
died,  he  requested  to  be  buried  with  iv  «till  around  his  neck. 

"After  his  return  from  the  wigwam  of  the  white  chief,  he  went  to 
the  Itean  village,  and  brought  back  with  him  the  maiden  whom  he 
had  saved;  and  she  was  my  mother.     I  am  justly  proud  of  my , 
father  the  'Bravest  of  the  Braves.'" 

(Here  Waaiiataa  sighed  deeply ;  and  after  quite  a  silence,  he  pro 
ceeded  with  his  story.) 

£t  was  a  fine  sunny  morning  when  we  reached  my  native  place ; 
one  of  the  villages  in  the  Sioux  country,  and  belonged  to  the  Lo 
tribe.  The  appearance  of  a  Pawnee  squaw  there  was  sp  extraordi 
nary  an  event,  that  in  a  few  moments  after  our  arrival,  we  were  sur 
rounded  by  a  crowd  of  men,  women,  and  children.  Our  Siou? 
gquaws  looked  first  with  evident  jealousy  at  my  beautiful  Diora; 
however,  they  could  not  for  a  long  time  resist  her  charming  inno 
cence  ;  and  when  she  entreated  them,  with  teurs  in  her  handsome 
eyes,  to  adopt  her  as  a  sister  and  daughter,  their  hearts  melted  to 
wards  her.  My  fellow-warriors  did  not,  particularly  the  younger 
ones,  show  any  marks  of  opposition  when  I  publicly  declared  her 
to  be  my  wife ;  but  eventually,  some  of  the  aged  warriors,  in  accord 
ance  with,  and  probably  instigated  by  our  old  medicine-man,  became 
violently  opposed  to  my  union  with  a  Pawnee  squaw.  They  stuck 
to  their  old  customs,  which  did  not  allow  intermarriage  between 
Sioux  and  Pawnees;  and  the  present  war  between  the  two  tribes 
was  far  from  favoring  an  exception  in  our  behalf. 

My  friendly  endeavors  to  conciliate  my  old,  stubborn  opponents 
failed;  and  I  was  too  isolated  among  niy  companion^  on  account 
of  my  peaceable  disposition,  and  my  antipathy  to  scalping  and  kill 
ing  our  prisoners,  or  else  I  would  have  made  a  violent  resistance  tu 
such  cruel  oppression.  I  determined  upon  the  use  of  cunning  to 
circumvent  my  oppressors,  who  had  really  organized  a  conspiracy 
to  ruin  me;  which  purported  that  I  myself  had  conspired  against 
<ay  own  people,  having  <*  they  asserted,  become  a  friend  tp  their 


52  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

enemies,  the  Pawnees,  to  whom  they  said  I  would  betray  them 
whenever  I  could. 

It  lay  in  my  plan  seemingly  to  yield  and  submit,  as  far  as 
to  whatever  our  people's  council  should  decide  concerning  my 
riage  with  Diora ;  but  indeed  I  was  resolved  rather  to  die  with  her 
than  live  without  her.     One  day  I  returned  from  hunting, 
not  find  her  before  our  lodge,  where  she  usually  waited   foi  my 
return.     Instead  of  her,   I  found  there  an  old  warrior,  who  had 
always  been  my  friend,  and  who  informed  me  that  she  was  a  pris 
oner  in  the  lodge  of  our  medicine-man;  that  it  was  surrou 
a  body  of  our  warriors,  and  that  I  could  not  see  her  until  * : 
should  undergo  a  public  examination,  to  be  held  the  ~.  a  day 
before  our  council.     He  added  that  she  had  refused  to  answer  any 
question,  except  in  my  presence,  and  with  my  consent,  d      Jring^ 
"Diora  does  not  fear  any  of  you;  for  she  is  the  grand-dau     'or  of 
Leteel,  the  daughter  of  Petalso,  and  the  wife  of  Waanataa 

This  unexpected  boldness  on  her  part,  who  had  always  ^    :n  so 
quiet  and  modest,  had  greatly  astonished  and  puzzled  t 
They  had  been  so  awe-struck  at  hearing  those  celebrated 
such  a  connection  with  hers  and  mine,  that  none  spoke  a  word  ia 
reply  to  her,  whose  origin  had  been  a  secret  to  every  one  < :     nem ; 
but  my  mind  misgave  me  bad  consequences,  from  exposing  that 
secret  in  the  present  circumstances.     Unable  now  to  do  ; 
for  her  rescue — for  what  could  I  do  but  die  in  fighting  alone  ?— I  suf 
fered  and  waited  with  great  impatience  the  dawn  of  the  con- 
when  all  the  warriors  of  our  village  assembled  before  the       ge  of 
our  medicine-man,  who  presided  over  our  council  in  this  case. 

I  knew  that  he  was  the  instigator  of  all  the  mischief  against  me; 
for  he  had  never  been  my  friend,  on  account  of  the  dislike 
tained  towards  the  customs  of  scaling,  etc.,  which  he,  as  a  bl 
thirsty  priest,  would  not  give  up,  as  they  helped  to  pre. 
declining  power  of  priest-craft.     As  soon  as  the  necessary  silence 
prevailed  around  the  assembly,  he  rose  and  said  in  a  sol 
my«teflt'Mia  voice:   *  Waanataa  I  you  are  charged  with  c< 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE,  53 

Against  your  people,  the  Sioux,  by  your  connection  with  our 
enemies,  the  Pawnees.  Defend  yourself,  if  you  can,  before  these 
warriors,  who  are  your  natural  judges," 

h  Let  first  my  accuser  step  forth  1 "  cried  I,  with  a  resolute  conscious*: 
Bess  of  my  innocence.  "  Let  me  confound  him,  whoever  he  may 
be,  as  a  base  liar  ! " 

"Well,"  said  the  haughty  priest,  "/am  your  accuser,  and  the 
people  know  that  I  am  inspired  by  the  Great  Spirit,  and  cannot 
therefore  utter  an  untruth." 

"  Then  you  are  a  base  liar ! "  cried  1,  in  a  firm  voice,  "  for  you  do 
not  think  what  you  now  say,  nor  do  you  believe  that  I  am  guilty ; 
or  else  you  would  look  me  straight  in  the  face  as  I  do  you.  You 
east  down  your  eyes,  knowing  that  you  speak  falsely,  whilst  1  look 
every  one  here  assembled  into  the  face  as  an  honest  warrior  should.* 

All  my  young  fellow-warriors  began  to  express  their  approbation 
ibr  me,  in  a  rather  loud  murmur  of  applause ;  while  older  ones 
looked  at  the  confounded  priest,  who  did  not  utter  one  word  in 
reply  to  what  I  had  said  against  him. 

"  Fathers  and  brothers,"  continued  I,  "  could  you  ever  suppose 
fche  grand -son  of  Waanataa  to  be  a  traitor  to  his  people  ?  I  have 
perhaps  done  more  for  my  people  than  any  warrior  of  my  age 
among  you.  I  have  in  a  single  fight  vanquished  Mackatana- 
NamakeeJ  " 

"Black  Thunder,"  echoed  a  hundred  voices  around  me;  whilst 
the  glance  of  each  warrior  was  directed  in  admiration  toward  me, 
for  none  presumed  to  doubt  my  word ;  except  the  lying  priest, 
whose  face  lit  up  with  a  malicious  look  of  anticipated  triumph,  and 
who  sneeringly  observed : — 

"  Prove  that  you  have  been  the  vanquisher  of  Mackatana-Nama- 
kee.  Show  us  the  scalp  of  Black  Thunder? 

"No  Sioux  will  ever  doubt  the  word  of  a  Sioux  warrior;  for 
never  a  Sioux  warrior  was  a  liar  1  w  So  saying  I  oast  a  firm  look 
upon  my  false  accuser,  who  durst  not  raise  his  eyes,  while  his  features 
bespoke  a  suppressed  rage  at  the  outburst  of  applause  that  followed. 


54  MISS  BARBER'S  KARRATIYE. 

I  now  related  my  adventures  with  Diora  and  my  fig! 
Pawnees,  adding:     "Fathers  and  brothers,  you  all  kno  .uiti* 

pathy  to  scalping  and  killing  a  vanquished  and  fallen  foe ;  I  would 
not  and  could  not  scalp  or  kill  Black  Thunder  when  I  had 
pletely  in  my  power ;  but  I  have  either  by  my  tomalu 
generosity,  prevented   him    from   an    invasion    into   01  'try, 

which  with  his  band  be  intended.     Therefore,  I  presui      to  have 
well  deserved  of  my  people,  and  I  claim  the  reward  du 
to  a  gallant  warrior.     I  claim  the  rank  of  a  chief  wnong 

"  Waanataa  must  become  a  chief  I "  cried  all  the  young 
a  chorus.     "  Waanataa  has  vanquished  Black  Tt\*nde        Maoka 
tana-Namakee  fell  by  the  tomahawk  of  Waanataa  I " 

Never  shall  I  forget  that  mcaaent  of  triumph  over  n 
miserable  enemy,  who  sat  there  as  if  he  were  in  ex^ct 
scalped.  The  great  voting  took  place,  and  I  was  al 
mously  declared  to  be  a  chief. 

In  the  meantime,  the  cunning  priest  had  invented  ?m< 
destroy  my  life's  happiness  in  a  manner  that  my  rarV 
must  lose   all   its   value   to   me.     With   an   apparent 
to  the  common  will  of  our  warriors,  he  acknowledged  tb. 
of  electing  me  as  one  of  their  chiefs,  observing  that  1 
and  expected,  I  would  follow  his  example  in  submits 
other  decision  of  the  people's  majority,  upon  which  I  a  i.^f    ^  that 
I  should  certainly  do  so,  not  supposing  thus  to  seal  in  advai^e  with 
my  own  lips  the  sentence  of  my  noble  Diora's  death. 

"Well,"  said  he  with  assumed  dignity,  "  I  speak  to  al 
men,  women,  and  children.     Listen  to  met    I  talk  t<  n  the 

name  of  the  Great  Spirit.     Is  here  any  family  who  have^iot  fco  i  loun* 
at  least  one  slain  by  the  Pawnees,  our  constant  irreco 
Is  here  no  widow  who  lost  her  husband  by  a  Pawne< 
no  orphans  who  lost  their  father  by  a  Pawnee?     Is  h« 
who  lost  her  brave  son  by  a  Pawnee  ?     Again,  is  h 
warrior  who  has  to  revenge  the  death  of  a  father  or  a  so         •  W<** 
kOUdly  a  Pawnee?" 


TERRIBLE  ENCOUNTER  BETWEEN  THE  INDIAN  CHIEF  AND  THB 
LEROY,   ON   **  DEVIL'S  CLIFF." 

bem  3nbiQner^)QUDtlinfl  unb  bem  35g<r  fi«r<^  on  ><t  ,, 


MISS   BARBER'S   NARRATIVE.  57 

This  abominable  appeal  to  natural  grief  and  national  vengeance^ 
which  the  cunning  impostor  knew  thus  to  excite,  was  interrupted 
and  answered  by  a  general,  horrible  outbreak  of  lamer tations  and 
groans,  which  gradually  grew  louder  and  louder,  till  they  wcrr) 
raised  to  the  highest  possible  pitch,  and  turned  into  the  yells  of  thex 
dreadful  war-whoop.  I  stood  alone,  unmoved  and  cool,  in  the  ter 
rible  storm  that  surrounded  me,  because  I  thought  of  nothing  elJe  but 
the  rascality  of  the  artful  priest,  who  continued : 

"  There  he  stands !  unconcerned  in  your  griefs  and  indifferent  at 
your  anger,  only  thinking  of  his  love  for  a  Pawnee  squaw,  the  grand 
daughter  of  Leteel  and  the  daughter  of  Petaiso,  called  the  '  Bravest  of 
Ihe  Braves?  because  he  killed  more  Sioux  than  any  other  Pawnee 
ever  did.  Listen  to  me  I  I  speak  to  you  in  the  name  of  the  Great 
Spirit.  Let  her  be  sacrificed  in  memory  of  all  the  Sioux  whose  deaths 
were  the  triumphs  of  the  Paunees." 

"  Let  her  die  1  let  her  die  at  the  stake !  "  interrupted  him  a  thousand 
fold  echo,  that  struck  my  heart  with  fear  which  I  had  never  felt 
before  that  moment  in  my  life ;  but  my  wonted  courage  soon  returned 
to  me,  and  I  struggled  in  my  mind  for  some  calmness,  to  address 
til  e  assembly,  when  Diora,  who  had  heard  every  thing,  broke  through 
tli  e  door  of  the  priest's  lodge,  followed  by  two  of  her  guards,  who 
l>rth  retreated  when  they  saw  me.  With  one  leap  I  was  by  her 
snde,  and  with  raised  tomakawk,  exclaimed,  "  Who  dares  strike 
iJiora  strikes  through  me.  Who  will  fight  with  Waanataa  ?  Let 
h  im  come  forward  and  say  he  dares  to  raise  his  tomahawk  against 
the  grand  son  of  the  great  Waanataa  I  "  None  stirred,  and  all,  even 
the  old  chiefs  and  warriors,  remained  silent,  while  I  looked  around 
with  a  calm  fury  which  showed  my  resolution  t»  fight,  and  to  dir> 
if  needs  be,  for  my  beloved  wife ;  but  she  placed  her  soft  hand  up<  i 
my  mouth,  and  said  with  the  true  meekness  of  a  daughter  of  tb« 
Great  Spirit:  "No  bloodshed,  Waanataa;  let  me  die  for  you 
Diora  does  not  fear  death."  And  casting  a  steadfast  look  upon  the 
cruel  homicide  priest,  she  said  in  a  firm  and  loud  voice :  "  Prepare 
roar  stake  '  I  am  the  gramd-daughter  of  Leteftl,  and  the  daughtv 


58  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

of  Petalso,  the    Bravest  of  the  Braves,'  I  will  show  you  that  I 
deserved  to  be  Waanataa's  wife,  in  dying  for  him  without  fea 

All  sat  in  silence,  as  if  they  were  struck  by  the  streaked  ugli* 
from  heaven;  but  before  any  of  them  could  answer,  I  had  t.-cized 
Diora,  and  carried  her  out  of  the  assembly  to  our  lodge,  whe   •  my 
good  ^runner  stood  ready  for  any  emergency,  and  mounting 
Diora,  I  left  my  country  and  my  people,  who,  laboring  ur  <Jer  a 
tyrannical  priest-craft,  would  probably  have  sacrificed  me  and  my 
beloved  wife  to  a  wicked  impostor,  if  we  bad  longer  exposes 
selves  to  their  superstition  and  his  malignity. 

Three  days  and  nights  we  rode,  only  stopping  for  rest  as  o 
necessary  for  us  and  our  horse,  avoiding  the  Pawnee  country, 
we  withdrew  from  that  of  the  Sioux.  We  were  now  both  v 
a  home. 

On  the  morning  of  the  fourth  day  we  found  a  place  fit  for  a 
stay.     It  was  a  natural  cave  in  a  rock,  and  we  were  both  de 
to  find  running  near  its  entrance  a  beautiful  little  spring  <. 
clear  water.     When  we  had  completed  our  little  arrangements  J  pre 
pared  and  left  for  hunting. 

I  was  fortunate  enough,  as  a  skilful  hunter,  to  provide  ai 
dance  before  the  snow  fell,  in  which  we  were  almost  buried  f< 
two  or  three  moons.     In  the  following  summer  my  Diora,  tlir 
the  Great  Spirit,  gave  birth  to  a  fine  and  hardy  son,  and  tb*x,;  wa& 
our  happiness  increased.     We  called  our  son  Na-em-ecco  (C 
the  Cave,  Ed.) 

But  our  solitude  filled  me  at  last  with  apprehension — whaii  woald 
become  of  my  wife  and  child  were  I  to  die  ?     My  antipathy  to  any 
connection  with  other  people  was  therefore  overcome  by  cc 
and  fatherly  love;  I  resolved  to  look  out  for  some  distant  n 
with  whom  I    could   deal   to   mutual   advantage.     Diora  \^-l   no 
objection  to  what  I  proposed,  and  leaving  her  well  suppl 
meat,  I  started  out,  promising  to  return  ere  the  falling  of  £'•• 
mow.    I  started  for  the  south,  in  order  to  avoid  the  Sioux,  whom  I 
denred  lea*  to  meet  than  the  Pawnees.     After  travelling  alo .?#  f'~<-  -, 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATTVE.  59 

he  aid  of  my  faithful  horse,  during  which  time  the  moon 

1  regained  its  roundness,  I  reached  a  large  village  of  the 

Sao  and      ;  s  Indians,  whom  I  supposed  would  be  friendly  toward  a 

>eaceable  Sioux.     I  was  unfortunately  greatly  mistaken 

In  1 1.  icy  had,  or  presumed  to  have,  strong  reasons  for  consider- 

ii)g  aod  U  -ating  every  Sioux  as  an  enemy.     In  their  last  war  which 

they  waged  under  "  Black  Eagle "  against  the  whites,  their  chief 

ws*  mad<'     prisoner  by  a  band  of  one  hundred  Sioux,  who  killed 

Sacs  and  Foxes  in  one  fight,  and  delivered  Black  Eagle 

es.     In  consequence  of  these  bloody  and  wicked  acts, 

r  a  number  of  Sioux,  the  hatred  of  the  Sac  and  Fox 

tribes  fell  upon  all  the  Sioux,  and  as  I  had  the  misfortune  of  being 

latter,  although  a  mere  boy  when   the  circumstance 

.    was  doomed  to  suffer  for  the  acts  of  my  people  who 

Jed   me   to  leave  my  home  with  them  for  one  in  the 

arcely  come  within  arrow-shot  of  the  village  when  the 

sounded,  a-nd  in  a  few  minutes  I  was  surrounded  by  a 

bod  y  sir  warriora.     An  old  Fox  chief  made  a  motion  of  silence 

panions,  who  immediately  obeyed  him,  and  he  said  with 

'  Why    las  the  Sioux  dared  to  approach  our  village?     Your 

ive  slain  many  of  our  best  warriors,  and  delivered  our 

r  enemies.     Although  we  have  since  buried  tLe  bloody 

and  smoked  the  calumet  of  peace  with  our  pale-face 

«TK-"  e  have  not  done  so  with  our  red  ones,  the  Sioui.,  who  are 

,  and  therefore  you  shall  die  in  sacrifice  to  the  Great 

have  spoken." 

right,  wise  and  brave  warrior,"  answered  I,  with  a  calm 

knowing    that    a    contradictory   reply   would    have 

iused  my  death.     "  If  you  say  so,  I  must  die ;  but  I  know 

that  si         cs  and  Foxes  are  great  warriors  and  no  cowards;  and 

they  are  right  in  killing  their  enemies ;  I  know  that 

r  ought  to  be  killed  like  a  rattle-snake ;  I  know  that  th* 


60  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIYE. 


have  been  traitors  to  you,  and  that  they  are  worse  than  the 
rattle-snakes.  Now  listen  to  me  !  /  am  no  more  a  Sioux  ,  my 
people  have  acted  worse  toward  me  and  mine  than  they  ever  did 
to  you,  and  I  have  left  them  never  to  join  them  again.  Adopt  me 
48  your  brother  ;  give  me  an  opportunity  of  proving  to  you  my 
&ithfulness.  I  have  spoken  I  " 

"  Our  council  can  alone  decide  upon  your  fate,"  replied  the  old 
ehief.  "  I  will  neither  give  warrant  for  your  veracity,  because  you 
are  still  a  Sioux  in  appearance,  nor  will  I  seek  to  raise  doubt  of  your 
aincerity,  because  truth  shines  in  your  face.  In  the  meantime,  till 
the  decision  of  our  council,  you  are  a  prisoner  among  us  and  must 
submit  to  the  common  treatment  of  such." 

I  was  pinioned,  and  led  through  the  village,  like  a  culprit,  sur 
rounded  by  a  body  of  warriors,  and  followed  by  a  crowd  of  women 
»nd  children,  hooting  after  me,  "  Dog  of  a  Sioux  I  Traitor  !  Kill 
him  !  kill  him  !  "  and  throwing  stones  at  me,  and  otherwise  heaping 
indignities  upon  my  person. 

My  prison  was  a  large,  miserable,  decaying  lodge,  palisaded  and 
continually  watched  by  three  warriors,  who  never  answered  my 
frequent  inquiries  as  to  the  decision  of  my  fate.  How  can  I  give 
you  an  idea  of  my  sufferings  when  I  thought  of  my  wife  and  child? 
What  would  become  of  them  if  I  returned  not  before  the  falling  of 
the  snow,  and  winter  sun  by  sun  drawing  nearer  ?  Agony,  agony, 
mid  no  other  prospect  of  release  from  my  prison,  but  a  prisoner's 
death. 

My  pinions,  the  high  palisades  around  my  prison,  and  my  con 
stant  three  watchers,  reminded  me  at  every  moment  of  the  impossi 
bilities  of  escape,  and  a  fit  of  madness  came  over  me  when,  with 
feelings  of  horror  and  despair,  I  beheld  flakes  of  snow  slowly  falling 
to  the  ground.  I  groaned  in  my  agony  ;  and  my  silent  watchers 
exchanged  significant  looks  with  each  other,  as  if  they  understood 
my  firy,  which  they  ascribed  to  a  mere  feeling  of  revenge  at  my 
Ion/  cnptivity  ;  they  showed  me  their  tomahawks,  as  if  these  were 
means  to  stop  my  groans  and  check  my  fury.  I  had 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  61 

ly  to     my  story,  but  without  any  success;  for  none  of  my 
watcher,  had   '  eturned,  so  that  I  supposed,  at  length,  allthe  Sacs 
and  Foxes  would  come  successively  to  watch  me  till  my  W»th,  and 
three  had  had  their  turn  to  see  a  suffering  Sioux« 
they  would  proceed  to  effect  their  purpose. 

Winte<  3d  and  spring  came,  while  no  change  took  place  in 

iny  terr:  nation:  my  despair  became  permanent,  and  would 

Have  t«r  )  indifference,  had  it  not  been  kept  up  by  every 

thought  of  m  /  poor  Diora,  and  our  dear  child.     I  hoped  against 

7  were  in  a  comfortable  situation.     Six  full  moons 

had  flov-v  fill    1  the  cup  of  my  sufferings  to  the  brim.     I   had  a 

thousand  tirr  w  invoked  the  aid  of  the  Great  Spirit  to  my  rescue 

fror,  of  living  misery.     The  scanty  food  which  I  received 

had  reduced  r  y  strength  to  that  of  a  child;  when  one  evening  the 

hief,  of    -horn  I  have  previously  spoken,  came  into  the  lodge 

and  »aid :  f      oux,  to-morrow  you  shall  appear  before  our  peoplo." 

.        .     ?.     ag  for  my  answer,  he  left  me  again  to  my  despair,  as 

I  oould  not  g  ACSS  whether  or  not  my  death  was  to  be  the  topic  of 

his  peoples  conversation  or  amusement,  on  the  following  sun. 

The  suti  was  yet  young  when  the  old  chief  appeared  again,  caused 
my  pinions  to  be  taken  off,  and  bade  me  follow  him,  which  com 
mand  I  \* '  ifficulty  obeyed. 

A  -wide  v  mi-circle  of  warriors  was  opened  at  our  approach,  and 

closed  after     'e  had  entered.     The  old  chief  took  a  seat  in  the 

middle  c  bow,  and  between  other  chiefs,  and  gave  me  a  seat 

amoog  ti>  h     which  was  so  placed  that  they  could  see  my  face  when 

i .     A  deep  silence  prevailed  for  a  few  moments,  but 

on  the  left  wing  of  the  semicircle  began  to  beat  upon 

b  pat  is,  to  the  time  of  which  those  who  formed  the  other 

en<i  (  f  i  ^le  commenced  a  council-dance. 

I  DOW  thov ght  that  I  was  not  doomed  to  death,  although  nothing 
the  least  idea  of  what  I  had  to  expect ;  for  none  of 
th«  features  s  round  me  showed  any  signs  of  good  or  evil  intention^ 
and  I  therefore  exhibited  the  same  apparent  indifference. 


62  MISS   BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

The  council-dance  lasted  about  one  hour,  during  which  I  waa 
attentively  observed ;  while  only  the  sounds  of  the  drums  inter 
rupted  tljdeep  silence  which  prevailed,  and  proved  the  solemnity 
of  the  council-dance.  At  its  conclusion  the  old  chief  bade  me  rise. 
I  did  so,  and  he  then  said : — 

"  Sioux  I  Listen  to  me !  The  Sacs  and  Foxes  are  no  cowards ! 
tsone  of  us  thirst  after  your  blood,  because  you  have  behaved  like 
ft  man,  and  not  spoken  a  bad  word  against  us  during  your  long 
captivity ;  for  if  you  had,  we  would  have  killed  you  in  sacrifice  to 
the  Great  Spirit,  by  whom  you  were  led  among  us.  You  have  well 
overcome  your  hard  trial.  Now  you  are  free,  to  leave  us  or  to  join 
us.  If  you  think  we  have  wronged  you,  ask  for  satisfaction,  and 
you  shall  be  satisfied.  Will  you  fight?  Challenge  any  of  us.  Will 
you  marry  ?  Choose  .any  one  of  our  daughters  and  you  shall  have 
her.  Tell  us 'what  you  want,  and  if  we  can  we  will  grant  it  you 
now.  I  have  spoken." 

"Oh,  fathers  and  brothers,"  cried  I,  in  a  frenzy  of  despair,  "give 
one -my  arms  and  my  horse,  that  I  may  speed  me  to  my  poor  wife  and 
child,  whom  I  left  in  yonder  wilderness.  I  came  hither  as  your 
friend  and  have  become  your  son  and  brother,  but  you  have  treated 
me  as  a  foe  and  traitor ;  you  have  confined  me  in  your  prison-lodge 
so  long,  that  my  poor  wife  and  child  must  have  perished  during  the 
winter.  Let  me  return  to  my  wife  and  child  1" 

My  lamentations  produced  a  visible  effect  on  all  present,  and  the 
great  chief  rose  and  offered  me  his  sympathy.  By  his  order,  my 
arms  and  horse  were  immediately  brought,  the  latter  much  better 
fed  than  myself.  Every  kind  of  blankets,  skins,  and  provis:«or«» 
appeared  in  a  few  minutes,  and  about  a  dozen  well-mo  aued  war 
riors  declared  voluntarily  their  willingness  to  accompany  me  to  my 
retreat  in  the  wilderness,  and  back  to  their  village  afterwards,  if  I 
chose  to  return  with  them. 

After  taking  a  friendly  leave  of  all,  I  started  with  my  companions 
in  search  of  my  wife.  Seven  times  had  the  moon  changed  its  light 
since  my  separation  from  my  beloved  wife  and  child  1 


JtTTEMPT  TO  ESCAPE.     MY  CAPTURE,  AND  CRUEL  TREATMENT. 

Sterfud)  ber  ftluc&l.    SKeinc  ©efangemialjme  uu&  graufanw 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  65 

.  Many  suns  had  come  and  gone  since  the  departure  of  myself  and 
:«©omrades,  when  I  saw,  by  the  appearance  of  the  mountains  in  the 
•east,  that  we  were  within  a  half  sun's  ride  of  my  dear  ones.  I  pre 
vailed  upon  my  friends  to  allow  themselves  a  good  night's  rest — 
gave  them  the  necessary  information  to  enable  them  to  follow  meoa 
the  rise  of  the  morrow's  sun,  and  started  with  my  faithful  runner. 

I  rode  on  during  the  length  of  darkness  without  interruption, 
and  with  the  sun's  light  I  approached  our  cave  in  the  rock.  I  saw 
nowhere  around  it  any  trace  of  a  human  being  1  Breathless  I  stood 
before  the  cavern's  entrance ;  while  nothing  broke  the  silence  but 
the  violent  beatings  of  mine  own  heart,  as  motionless  I  stood  listen 
ing  and  watching  for  some  signs  of  life ;  but  I  heard  and  saw 
nothing. 

"Diora,"  whispered  I,  with  a  fainting  voice;  no  answer.     "M 
dear  wife,"  said  I,  a  little  louder,  but  scarcely  advancing  a  step,  aui 
trembling  from  head  to  foot,  whilst  chills  ran  through  my  body, 
And  large  drops  of  water  dropped  from  off  my  forehead ;  still  no 
answer !     "  Diora,"  cried  I,  at  length,  in  despair.     Listening  again 
for  some  reply,  I  heard  with  emotions  of  joy  my  name,  "  Waanataan 
spoken  in  a  faint  whisper.     In  an  instant  I  had  cleared  the  cavern's 
-entrance  and  stood  beside  my  own  Diora. 

Oh  1  never,  never  shall  I  think,  without  a  shudder,  of  the  dread 
ful  sight  which  my  beloved,  and  our  dear  child  presented  to  my 
eyes  I  They  were  both  lying  upon  our  couch  of  moss,  both  emaci 
ated  like  skeletons,  both  stained  with  blood,  which  filled  me  with 
intense  horror,  for  it  led  me  to  believe  that  they  had,  in  some  dread 
ful  manner,  been  wounded ;  but  with  feelings,  none  can  describe,  I 
soon  vliscovered  my  mistake,  for  I  saw  the  drained  breast  of  the 
unhappy  mother,  the  suckling  babe  with  his  little  mouth  upon  her 
left  arm,  of  which  she  had  opened  the  artery  to  let  him  drink  her 
life's  blood,  thinking  that  Aw  life  might  thus  be  preserved,  for  a 
time,  although  at  the  sacrifice  of  her  own,  which  was  now  nearly 
'extinct 

When  Diora  oast  agair  for  tke  last  time  her  sunken  eyes  at 


66  MISS   BARBER'S  NARRATIVE 

her  once  lovely  features  brightened  with  a  smile :  w  o  iti  vary 

coming  brought  with  it  the  old,  handsome  exprtv  ion,  and  she 
whispered,  "  Dear  Waanataa,  you  have  come  at  last,  i  iu  I  knew 
you  would,  but  we  must  DOW  part  forever,  the  G:  ,  has 

called  me ;  but  he  has  been  very  good  to  me,  for  he  i  me  not 

/O'.ir  presence  in  my  last  moments."     I  tried  to  cl 
With  a  kiss  while  thus  she  spoke,  and  with  that  ku 
tears  flowed,  which  seemed  to  bear  upon  the  boso?      f  its  i 
my  very  heart,  in  agonizing  grief,  thus  floating  on  to\» 
of  wrecked  despair. 

41  Dear  Diora,''  I  managed  to  utter  between  my  sobs  you 

are  very  weak  and  must  not  talk,  let  me  first  give  ]         iiink,  and 
then  prepare  you   nourishing  food."     I   fetched  son 
leather  cup  from  our  little  spring,  poured  it  over  a  ha  neal, 

stirred  it  up  with  maple  sugar,  the  two  mixed  with 
some  berries  growing  near  by,  and  presented  it  to  n  ;iora, 

who,  with  the  natural,  self-denying  love  of  a  tender  me 
starving  baby  first  to  drink,  before  she  thought  of  part    : 
while  I  knelt  and  wept,  unable  to  further  speak. 

My  efforts  were  all  in  vain ;  I  could  not  save  tht 
dear  ones !  The  Great  Spirit  claimed  them  as  his  own 
ting  sun  the  star  of  my  life  lost  its  light,  became  extii 
in  no  presence,  save  that  of  the  Great  Spirit,  I  stood 
the  dead ! 

When   my  companions,   after   continuing  their  joi 
moon's  light,  reached  my  cave,  now  a  vault  of  death 
me  sitting  and  weeping  beside  the  inanimate  bodies  of  ] 
had  once  called  Dioru,  and  him  whom  we  in  suns  past 
with  joyous  hearts,  Ne-em-ecco. 

My  friends  had  the  manly  delicacy  not  to  interfere  m  : 
ing;  they  left  me  alone  in  my  grief  all  the  night,  obser   Ing 
ful  silence  while  they  lay  encamped  in  the  vicinity, 
the  custom  of  Sioux,  who  generally  wrap  a  corpse  in  p 
•kin  8"\d   put  i$  or  the  tops  of  four  trees,  where  it  d» 


HISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  67 

open  air,  I  buried  the  bodies  of  my  dear  ones  in  the  cave,  which 
thus  became  a  real  vault  of  death.  After  the  burial  1  remember 
no  subsequent  events  until  two  moons  had  passed,when  waking  from 
my  long  fevered  sleep,  I  found  myself  once  more  among  the  Fox 
and  Sacs  tribes.  As  soon  as  I  regained  sufficient  strength  I  de 
parted,  refusing  all  proffers  of  friendship;  and  for  many  moons  I 
roamed  far  and  wide,  until  I  at  length  arrived  among  the  Brule- 
Sioux,  with  whom  I  have  since  remained.  But  sorrow  sits  deep 
upon  my  soul,  life  has  no  allurements  for  me,  for  I  know  not  where 
o  turn. 

"  Perhaps,  dear  Wazora  "  (my  Indian  name),  said  Waanataa,  as  he 

concluded  his  narrative,  "  perhaps  my  story  has  tired  you  ?  " 

"  Oh,  no,"  I  answered,  "  it  has  proved  very  interesting  to  me,  and 

deeply  sympathize  with  you  in  your  great  sorrow." 

Waanataa  thanked  me  and  withdrew  from  the  lodge.     Deitosie 

and  I  remained  in  conversation  for  some  time  afterward,  when  she 

x>o  left  me.     Shortly  after  her  departure  little  Leeonoge  (Temulle's 

foung  squaw)  entered,  and  we  were  soon  conversing  in  quite  an 

animated  and  friendly  manner,  in  fact  Leeonoge  and  I  had  been 

good  friends  from  our  first  acquaintance.     What  was  my  surprise 

to  learn  from  her  lips  that  Temulle  intended,  that  very  day,  to  take 

unto  himself  another  squaw.     Soon  we  heard  the  Indian  drums  beat, 

and  sounds  of  "  Kee-wan-ah  "  were  yelled  by  hundreds  of  voices. 

With  difficulty  I  almost  dragged  myself  to  the  entrance  of  the  lodge, 

and  there  for  the  first  time  witnessed  an  Indian  marriage. 

The  young  Indians  are  led,  both  by  precept  and  example,  to 
adopt  the  married  life ;  and  instances  of  celibacy  very  rarely  continue, 
more  particularly  on  the  part  of  males,  much  beyond  the  period  of 
mature  puberty.  Old  bachelors,  settled  in  their  towns  and  villages, 
tre  a  race  of  beings  altogether  unknown ;  I  have  however  known 
A  few  who  led  a  wandering  life,  sometimes  attaching  themselves  to 
>ne  tribe,  and  sometimes  fco  another. 

Early  marriages  ar°  more  frequent  in  tribes  bordering  on  th 
«ttiemQpts  than  *n  those  which  are  more  remotely  situated 


SB  MISS   BARBER'S   NARRATIVE. 

;r%ctice  is  encouraged  by  the  old  men,  who  however  say  that  when 
they  were  young  they  did  not  marry,  nor  even  think  of  being  called 
men,  \inti  1  twenty  winters  had  passed  over  their  heads.  The  inter- 
'eour«e  with  whites,  they  maintain,  has  enervated  the  warriors, 
caused  the  Indians  to  be  more  indolent,  quarrelsome,  and  wicked ; 
'and  materially  shortened  the  period  of  their  existence. 

*X)n  the  occasion  of  Temulle's  marriage  to  his  fourth  wife,  he  walked 
majestically  toward  the  North  first,  and  then  successively  toward 
the  East,  South,  and  West.  During  this  time  the  horrible  drums 
were  fiercely  beaten,  yells  were  heard  on  all  sides,  and  great  exr  ite- 
ment  appeared  to  prevail.  Then  came  silence,  and  with  it  the  sq  law 
to  whom  he  was  to  be  married,  and  who  really  was  far  from  being  an 
ill  looking  woman.  She  went  through  the  same  performancr ,  but 
after  walking  a  certain  distance  westward  she  turned,  and  retrac 
ing  her  steps  about  half  the  way,  halted,  and  taking  an  ear  of  corn 
from  beneath  the  folds  of  her  dress,  deposited  it  upon  the  ground. 
Temulle  then  walked  forward,  picked  up  the  ear  of  corn,  and  amid 
furious  yells,  threw  it  far  above  him.  This  signified  an  acceptance. 
She  went  immediately  up  to  him  and  seized  his  right  wrht,  and 
said:  "  Meernole  is  proud,  happy,  humble,  and  will  do  all  woik  for 
the  great  chief  Temulle."  He  then,  in  a  loud  voice,  candidly  pro 
claimed  the  warm  attachment  he  entertained  for  Meemole,  T  idow 
of  Stameollo  the  warrior,  and  at  the  same  time  presented  her  with 
the  heart  of  an  elk  (as  I  afterward  learned),  a  buffalo  r  .  ai  d,  to 
my  astonishment,  a  gold  chain  and  locket,  which  I  had  worn 
before  our  marriage.  The  reader  may  readily  imagu  tkist*hole 
scene  as  being  somewhat  of  a  sensation  to  me,  and  will  I  am  vire 
forgive  my  weakness  when  it  is  taken  into  consideration  that  I  bad 
at  least  a  one-fourth  interest  in  the  possession  of  the  man  tfms  rock- 
^lessly  throwing  himself  away.  But  what  of  that,  on  my  own  h  *ad 
fell  the  folly  of  my  deeds ;  so  let  us  look  at  the  next  chapter,  and,  if 
possible,  digest  the  matter  therein  contained 


avr  or 

lo  WOc: 


OL AFTER  V. 

TILLS  A   GREAT   MANY  THINGS   CONNECTED   WITH   MY  LIFi  AMOJTQ 
THE   INDIANS,  AND   HOW   I    DID   NOT   ESCAPE,   ETC.,    ETC. 


JEEMOLE,  widow  of  Stameollo,  brought  an  addition  into  the 
family  besides  herself.  This  addition  was  in  the  shape  of 
a  nine-year-old  boy,  who  then  and  in  after  years  proved 
one  of  my  greatest  tormentors.  For  instance,  he  would, 
instigated  by  his  mother,  place  himself  in  a  favorable 
position,  and  then  with  his  toy  bow  and  arrows  (a  very  uncivilized 
specie  of  toy  I  may  here  remark),  he  would  aim  at  any  portion  of 
my  limbs  which  might  accidentally  become  exposed  while  I  attended 
to  cooking  and  other  domestic  arrangements.  I  did  not  dare  to 
retaliate,  for  such  a  proceeding  would  not  have  been  tolerated  by 
either  his  mother  or  step-father.  Temulle  had  since  his  marriage. 
with  Meemole  become  a  perfect  tyrant,  and  I  resolved  to  escape  if. 
possible.  I  gave  up  in  despair  being  ever  able  to  accomplish  good. 
in  a  missionary  point  of  view,  and  therefore  rny  religious  views  did 
not  deter  me  from  a  fixed  determination  to  immediately  attempt  the 
step. 

But,  in  the  midst  of  thoughts  of  escape,  a  serious  accident  occurred  to 
me  which  bade  fair  to  put  an  end  to  my  lease  of  life.  -Whilst  .stand 
ing  in  conversation,  one  evening,  with  Deitosie  and  Waanataa,  1 
felt  a  cold  substance  next  the  flesh  of  my  leg,  aud  jumping  from  the 
spot,  I  with  a  shudder  heard  the  rattle,  and  beheld  a  rattlesnake! 

At  first  I  was  thankful  for  my  escape  from  the  venomous  bite  of 
the  reptile ;  but  suddenly  I  felt  a  stinging  sensation,  and  upon  exami 
nation  found  that  I  had  actually  been  badly  bitten.  Waaiiataa, 

immediately  discovered  the  true  state  of  affairs,  and  with  a  spring, 

69 


TO  MISS   BARBER'S  NARRATIVE 

forward  lie  reached  the  rattlesnake,  with  one  blow  of  his  tomahawk 
severed  its  head  from  its  body,  and  quickly  commenced  skinning 
and  cutting  it  to  pieces. 

Meanwhile,  from  fright,  I  lay  senseless.  The  squaws  in  the  village 
soon  gained  intelligence  of  the  occurrence,  and  were  seen  running 
about,  and  stooping  now  and  then ;  but  Doitosie  had  not  been  idle, 
and  was  soon  by  my  side,  and  with  her  a  utensil,  formed  of  buffalo 
hide,  containing  water  and  two  or  three  handfuls  of  green  leaves  of 
a  peculiar  virtue.  Meantime  Waanataa  had  beeli  busily  engaged  in 
placing  upon  the  rattlesnake's  bite  the  inner  parts  of  the  sliced 
pieces  of  its  body.  Each  slice  upon  being  applied  to  the  wound 
would  almost  immediately  turn  black;  and  just  as  Waanataa  was 
about  removing  a  third  piece  I  awoke.  This  slice  was  only  black 
to  a  small  extent,  and  thus  proved  that  the  poison  was  nearly  all 
extracted. 

During  the  application  Deitosie  had  poured  down  my  throat  the 
potion  she  had  prepared,  and  afterwards  she  bathed  my  limb  with 
it.  I  recovered,  but  my  nerves  undergoing  another  severe  shock,  I 
was  again  prostrated.  Old  Babasho,  Temulle's  eldest  \vife,  in  con 
junction  with  Meemole,  were  my  constant  enemies,  and  left  nothing 
undone  to  annoy  me.  I  had  now  been  with  the  Brule-Sioux  nearly 
one  year,  and  had  fully  resolved  to  escape  at  the  first  opportunity. 

There  occurred,  however,  about  this  time,  an  event  which  turned 
my  thoughts  back  again  in  their  old  direction.  This  event  was  the 
appearance  among  us  of  an  old  Methodist  preacher,  na™«<}  John 
Madler,  a  native  of  New  York  State,  and  a  resident  of  "i  e 
City;  where,  I  have  since  learned,  he  is  quite  well  k^^,. .,.  i^ 
vras  accompanied  by  a  sinister  looking  man  calling  himself  Maer, 
ft  Canadian- Frenchman,  who  came  from  Manitoba,  over  the  border 
,.  •(  Dakota. 

Maer  was  a  sort  of  independent  trader,  and  remained  with  us 
some  time.  He  related  to  me,  with  great  glee,  a  transaction  with  a 
party  of  Fox  Indians.  These  Indians  were  thoroughly  uncivilized, 
and  after  trading  every  available  article  in  his  possession,  excepting 


MISS  BAKBER'S  NARRATIVE.  73 

kit  gun  and  ammunition,  he  fired  it  off  to  their  intense  delight,  and 
afterwards  showed  them  the  gunpowder  which  caused  the  great 
noise.  This,  he  explained,  was  a  seed  which  could  be  planted  in 
the  groumd  the  same  as  corn,  and  would  produce  a  large  crojr 
They  gave  him  many  articles  of  value  in  exchange  for  one- hall  hi* 
stock  of  gunpowder,  and  he  went  upon  his  way  rejoicing.  Aiier- 
wards,  in  his  trading  expeditions  he  was  careful  not  to  trespass 
upon  their  territory,  for  fear  the  "  seed  "  might  prove  an  unpleasant 
and  unprofitable  harvest  for  him.  That  was  his  part  of  the  story, 
but  there  came  an  unexpected  sequel. 

Some  six  months  after  leaving  our  village,  he  started  on  a  trading 
expedition  in  the  Blackfeet  territory.  Ho  exposed  his  wares  in  one 
of  their  villages ;  but  what  was  his  surprise  to  behold  some  four  or 
five  Indians  walk  up  and  carry  off  all  his»  property.  He  laid  his 
complaint  before  the  chief,  who  informed  him  that  the  Indians,  who 
had  his  property,  were  honest  Fox  who  had  joined  his  tribe,  and 
that  they  promised  to  pay  their  white  brother  when  the  black  seea 
grew. 

Rev.  John  Madler  and  I  had  many  warm  religious  conversations. 
He  spoke  hopefully  of  making  many  converts  among  the  Indians. 
Htf  denounced  in  strong  terms  the  habit,  so  prevalent  among  the 
whites,  of  breaking  nearly  all  their  treaties  with  the  red  men,  which 
itter  to  harbor  nothing  but  distrust  in  their  dealings 
with  the  flona  of  civilization.  With  great  earnestness  he  besought 
ni\3  t  without  fear  in  the  path  that  I  had  chosen ;  and  re- 

at  good  could  not  be  accomplished  without  some  sauri 
nee.     in  fact  so  strong  were  his  arguments,  that  I  decided  to  remain 
'  \  my  present  position ;  and  again  resolved  upon  rigidly  following 
out  my  early  missionary  intentions. 

<ifr.  Madler  remained  with  us  three  weeks.  He  spoke  the  Sioux 
dialect  quite  fluently ;  and  possessing  fine  oratorical  powers,  he  wa? 
dstened  to  with  great  respect  by  our  tribe,  but  his  religious  enthu 
siasm  was,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  without  its  intended  effect.  He  cer 
tain]  v  gained  the  respect  of  our  tribe,  but  they  would  not  accept 


74  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

his  truths,  for,  said  they,  "  The  pale  faces  were  sent  upon  earth  by 
the  Evil  Spirit,  who  was  at  a  loss  for  some  plan  to  vex  us,  and  so 
conceived  the  idea  of  sending  us  whites  that  they  might  rob  us  of 
>ir  territory,  and  leave  us  nothing  in  exchange  ..but  fire-water,  to 
madden  our  brains  and  destroy  our  bodies."  This  was  their  theory, 
and  nothing  which  the  Rev.  Madler  could  advance  in  opposition  to 
it,  would  in  any  way  combat  their  ideas.  "  You  are  good  pale  face 
to-day;"  they  said,  "but  to-morrow's  sun  may  see  thee  bad  pale  face, 
for  we  have  seen,  we  cannot  but  know." 

It  was  the  eve  of  Mr.  Madler's  departure,  and  that  of  his  com 
panion,  Maer.  We  had  been  sitting  outside  the  door  of  our  lodge. 
I  had  just  related  thu  incident  of  the  snake  bite,  and  mentioned  the 
leaves  which  Deitosie  had  used  as  a  remedy.  Maer  expressed  a 
?reat  desire  to  gather  some,  in  which  Mr.  Madler  also  joined. 

Deitosie,  who  was  present,  volunteered  to  show  them  a  spot,  but 
A  short  distance  from  the  village,  where  they  grew  in  abundance. 
Temulle  had  been  absent  some  two  or  three  days,  and  not  fearing  his 
displeasure,  I  aiso  volunteered  to  accompany  the  party.  The  moon 
shone  brightly  that  night,  as  we  set  forth  upon  our  botanical  trip. 
We  had  proceeded  something  over  half  a  mile  from  the  village, 
when,  quick  as  thought,  Maer  with  a  furious  blow  struck  Mr.  Mad 
ler  to  the  ground,  and  turning  dealt  Deitosie  one  equally  as  hard. 
Before  I  could  gather  my  senses  he  had  completely  enveloped  my 
head  and  shoulders  in  his  cloak,  thus  stifling  all  cries  for  help, 
which  I  might  have  given  vent  to.  Seizing  me  in  his  strong  arms 
he  ran  quickly  forward.  I  heard  the  neighing  of  a  horse  near  by  .^d 
soon  felt  myself  lifted  upon  its  back,  and  knew  that  Maer  was  there 
beside  me.  The  villain  had  planned  the  whole  affair  and  soon  the 
>orse  was  galloping  ov,  at  a  pushed  speed.  My  thoughts  during 
Jhis  Lime  were  of  an  unenviable  kind.  What  object  could  he  have 
in  this  abduction?  Madman,  did  he  not  realize  that  we  should 
aoon  be  pursued  and  overtaken. 

We  had  probably  gone  some  ten  or  fifteen  miles  before  he  reined 
*D,  H<»  dismounted  and  lifted  me  fpom  the  horse'a  back.  Then  » 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  75 

long  silence  ensued,  which  was  at  length  broken  by  shouts  from 
Maer,  and  sounds  of  a  switch  descending  upon  the  back  of  the  horse, 
&  neigh  of  terror  from  the  animal,  and  then  as  of  some  heavy  body 
noting  down  a  ravine. 

The  cloak  was  then  withdrawn  from  my  head,  and  I  in  a  half  in 
fusible  manner  regained  my  power  of  speech,  and  looked  around 
one.  There  stood  Maer  with  the  face  of  a  demon,  his  eyes  bloodshot 
and  a  ghastly  smile  on  his  unprepossessing  countenance. 

"  You  are  now  the  wife  of  Mier.  Do  you  not  comprehend  me  ? M 
he  said. 

I  could  make  no  reply. 

*  You  don't  mind  it,  eh  ?  Good  I  Well,  I  will  tell  you  some 
thing.  In  a  short  time  those  red-skin  devils  will  be  upon  us.  Ar 
riving  at  this  spot  they  will  notice  something  unusual,  and  will 
trace  that  something  to  the  edge  of  this  ravine,  down  which  I  caused 
my  horse  to  leap.  They  will  suppose  us  to  have  been  on  the  horse 
when  he  went  down.  Now,  in  order  to  reach  the  bottom,  they  will 
foe  obliged  to  retrace  their  steps  some  eight  miles.  DuriTj/  that 
time,  and  that  which  we  have  gained  in  advance  of  them,  v.'C  can 
walk  a  little  ways — can't  we,  my  dear  ?  and  after  we  do  wv,'.k  a  little 
ways  I  know  a  nice  little  hiding  place.  Now  aint  I  s  schemer  ? 
It's  all  for  you,  too ! " 

The  villain  evidently  considered  that  I  did  not  object  to  his  plans, 

and  knowing  my  helplessness,  I  concluded  for  the   p/.'dsent  not  to 

undeceive  him.     So  on  we  went,  until  we  arrived  at  the  banks  of  a 

Before  emerging  from  the  woods,  Maer  removed  his 

•\  desired  me  to  do  the  »ame.     He  then  procured  four 

targe  pieces  of  wancton  bark.     Two  of  these  pieces  he  tied  to  his 

feet,  ono  under  each  foot.     The  other  two  pieces  he  tied  to  mine. 

We  then  started  for  the  stream ;  after  reaching  which  we  untied 

trar  **  bark  shoes,"  and  walked  down  the  brook. 

How  far  we  walked  I  have  no  idea ;  but  at  last  in  an  exhausted 
condition,  my  feet  badly  swollen,  we  reached  a  hut,  or  lodge,  of 
construction     Upon  our  arrival,  there  appeared  at  tkt 


76  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

door,  gun  in  hand,  a  strange  looking  creature,  whom  one  cowW 
•scarcely  name  a  man.  His  legs  were  twisted  in  a  manner  such  as  I 
have  never  seen  possessed  by  a  human  being.  One  shoulder  waa 
drnwn  high  up  above  the  other;  and  his  eyes,  which  cannot  be 
described  as  being  of  any  known  color,  were  overhung  by  eyebrows 
of  great  thickness.  One  arm  was,  or  appeared  to  be,  much  longer 
than  the  other ;  and  a  more  singular  looking  object,  in  the  shape  of 
man,  could  not  be  found. 

"  Ah,  this  is  my  true  friend,  Red  Rappo,"  said  Maer,  and  added 
he,  aside,  "  he  is  a  sort  of  half-breed.  His  father  was  a  Blackfeet, 
and  his  mother  was,  well  there's  no  knowing  exactly  what,  only  she 
was  not  an  Indian ; "  and,  added  he,  this  time  addressing  the  creature 
before  him : — 

"Rappo,  we  are  hunted  by  Sioux,  and  would  hide,  show  us  to 
your  cave  beneath  the  Anonmaho." 

"  I  see  a  friend,"  answered  the  strange  being  thus  addressed,  "  and 
will  serve  him.  Serve  him  falsely,  never.  Come  !  " 

Into  the  hut  we  followed  Red  Rappo.  Looking  round  me  I  could 
tee  no  other  entrance  save  the  one  through  which  we  came.  The 
lodge  or  hut  was  built  against  a  large  rock,  the  sides  of  which  served 
for  the  wall  at  the  back.  Rappo  went  directly  to  the  wall  and 
pushing  it  in  a  peculiar  manner  several  times,  a  large  stone  fell, 
leaving  a  hole  large  enough  for  one  person  at  a  time  to  crawl 
through.  Maer  bade  me  enter  first.  This  I  objected  to,  expressing 
a  fear  as  to  what  might  meet  me  beyond.  At  this  both  Rappo  and 
the  Canadian  laughed,  the  latter  informed  me  that  there  was  nothing 
to  fear,  as  we  were  about  entering  a  natural  cave.  Knowing  that 
further  objections  might  cost  me  my  life  I  reluctantly  entered, 
followed  by  Maer,  who,  when  inside,  raised  the  stone  to  its  former 
position.  We  walked  through  a  dark  cave  for  some  distance,  when 
we  suddenly  came  to  a  lighted  torch  placed  in  a  notch  in  the  rocks. 
Here,  to  my  surprise,  I  beheld  a  running  brook.  Maer,  who  ap 
peared  to  be  perfectly  familiar  with  his  surroundings,  retraced  his 
atepa,  but  before  leaving  me.  told  me  to  venture  no  further.  t*s  to  do 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATiVK  77 

mo  would  be  certain  death.     He  said  that  in  less  than  half  an  hour 
he  should  return,  and  then  all  would  be  well. 

Moved  by  some  incomprehensible  power  I  walked  quite  a  ways 
from  the  spot  upon  which  my  abductor  had  left  me.  Want  of 
courage  caused  me  to  stop.  I  then  contemplated  the  hopeless 
position  in  which  I  was  placed,  and  preferred  death  to  remaining  iu 
the  power  of  the  viHain  Maer.  I  continued  to  advance,  slowly  and 
cautiously,  through  the  underground  brook,  which  was  scarcely 
fcnee-high.  I  walked  probably  half  a  mile,  when  with  a  prayer  tu 
God,  and  renewed  courage  I  kept  upon  my  uncertain  way.  Sud 
denly  I  bethought  myself  of  the  torch  burning  in  the  notch,  and 
•feeling  assured  that  its  possession  by  me  would  be  of  great  value,  1 
went  back  to  my  starting  point,  obtained  the  light,  and  almost  ran 
the  distance  I  had  walked, before.  The  splashing  water  echoed  and 
re-echoed*  throughout  the  cave,  I  desperately  fought  the  feeling 
of  fear  within  me,  and  determined  to  continue,  even  if  death  should 
toe  the  consequence ;  on,  on  I  went. 

I  know  not  the  distance  I  had  traversed  after  obtaining  the  torch, 
but  suddenly  a  thousand  lights  danced  before  my  eyes ;  and  all  the 
fairy  tales  that  I  had  read  in  my  childhood  seemed  about  to  be  verified. 
Twas  as  if  all  the  rubies,  and  precious  stones  of  the  world,  were 
imbedded  in  the  rocks  around  me ;  and  in  an  ecstasy  of  wonder 
and  delight  I  paused  to  view  this  scene  of  gorgeousness.  But  sud 
denly  I  was  renj?  3d  of  my  perilous  situation,  and  the  immediate 
necessity  for  action ;  so  on  I  went,  carefully  searching  for  signs  of 
danger, 

I  must  have  gone  several  miles,  when,  to  my  great  joy,  I  beheld 
an  opening  bcjvuu.     With  hastened  steps  I  walked  toward   t,  and 
upon  my  arrival  was  met  by  an  unexpected  difficulty.     The  broo! 
rushed  down  the  rocks  at  a  height  of  full  two  hundred  feet ;  am> 
upon  neither  side  could  I  find  means  of  exit  from  the  cave,      f 
stood  gazing  upon  this  truly  grand  work  of  nature,  and  fully  re 
aolved,  that  in  case  of  pursuit,  I  would  jump  into  the  basin  bei  satt 
r  knelt  and  sent  up  a  prayer  to  God,  and  there  upon  my  kneea,  I 


T8  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

thought  of  my  past  life,  reviewed  it  calmly,  and  with  a  resigned 
mind,  awaited  my  fate.  In  the  midst  of  such  thoughts  I  wa» 
aroused  by  a  great  splashing  sound,  and  turning  found  myself  i» 
the  firms  of  Maer.  His  face  was  covered  with  blood,  and  from  & 
hole  in  his  forehead  the  blood  was  slowly  trickling  down.  His  ex 
pression  I  shall  never  forget,  as  with  an  oath  he  seized  me,  an<5 
hissed  into  my  ear  these  words: — 

"  Vou  thought  to  escape  me,  my  beauty,  did  you  ?  But  I  have 
you  now,  despite  the  endeavors  of  that  canting  preacher  to  trick; 
me  of  my  prize.  Curse  him !  He  shall  pay  for  every  drop  oi 
blood  I  have  lost.  Thought  to  kill  me,  did  he?  And  I  do  believe 
Rappo  is  dead,  shot  by  that  hellish  squaw.  Come,  we  must  get  away 
from  here." 

So  saying  he  dragged  me  back  towards  the  entrance  to  the  cave: 
reaching  which  he  pushed  me  through  the  hole  in  the  Took,  andt 
quickly  followed.  As  I  gained  my  feet  upon  the  floor  of  the  cabio 
I  beheld  Deitosie,  who  was  about  to  spring  forward  to  meet  me> 
when  seeing  the  head  and  shoulders  of  Maer  emerging  from  the 
cave,  she  darted  toward  him  instead,  and  seizing  him  dragged  him 
through,  and  administed  a  sound  beating  to  his  Canadian  majesty. 
But  once  firmly  upon  his  feet  he  would  have  proved  too  much  fosr 
her ;  but  fortunately,  at  this  critical  moment,  good  Mr.  Madler  ap 
peared  upon  the  scene,  and  by  a  well-directed  blow  from  the  butt 
of  his  gun,  succeeded  in  rendering  our  antagonist  powerless,  andi 
without  uttering  a  sound  he  fell  to  the  floor. 

1  now  observed  that  Mr.  Madler's  left  arm  hung  upon  a  strip  oi 
linen  suspended  from  his  neck.  This  was  all  duly  explained  to  me 
As  soon  as  Mr.  Madler  recovered  his  senses,  after  being  knocked 
down  by  Maer,  near  the  Sioux  village,  he  ran  back,  arid  (crazy  frons 
the  unexpected  circumstances  attending  our  walk,  and  a  severe  paii* 
in  the  head,  occasioned  by  Maer's  blow,)  mounted  the  first  horse  he 
came  to,  without  giving  any  particulars  to  the  Indian  who  stood  nea? 
him,  and  galloped  furiously  away. 

Arriving  at  the  spot  where  he  had  left  Deitosie  insensible,  bfc 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  $1 

found  her  standing  up,  and  when  she  saw  him  she  begged  to  accom 
pany  him.  So  the  two  thus  mounted  rode  on,  little  knowing  where, 
"but,  directed  by  a  kind  and  all-seeing  Providence,  they  came  upo* 
Rappo's  hut.  Standing  in  the  door  was  Maer,  who  upon  seeing 
them  fired  his  gun,  the  ball  from  which  took  effect  in  Mr.  Madlc^s 
left  arm. 

With  great  effort  Mr.  Madler  returned  the  shot,  and  fortunately  it 
also  took  effect,  for  Maer  put  his  hand  to  his  forehead  and  -disap 
peared  within.  Rappo  now  came  to  the  front  and  fired,  but  with  no 
effect,  his  ball  passing  harmlessly  by.  Rev.  Madler  had  now  drop 
ped  his  gun,  and  was  attending  to  his  wound,  which  had  become 
'by  this  time  exceedingly  troublesome.  Deitosie  with  great  firmness 
.picked  up  the  fallen  gun  and  fired.  The  smoke  cleared  away,  a -id 
Rappo  lay  dead!  Mr.  Madler  then  seized  the  gun,  and  rushn.g 
forward  fearlessly  entered  the  cabin;  but  to  his  surprise,  and  tb;a1 
of  Deitosie,  who  had  followed  him,  Maer  was  nowhere  to  be  seen. 
He  and  the  Indian  maiden  searched  everywhere,  but  without  sue 
cess,  and  they  had  given  up  all  hopes  of  being  able  to  rescue  me 
Madler  had  just  left  the  hut  for  the  fourth  or  fifth  time,  and  Deitosie 
had  stood  near  the  door  wonderingly,  when  my  appearance,  foi 
lowed  by  that  of  Maer,  and  the  attending  consequences,  took  place 

Deitosie  and  myself  were  seated  upon  the  horse's  back,  arid  with 
great  thankfulness  we  wended  our  way  toward  our  village,  accom 
panied  by  good  Mr.  Madler.  About  half  way  we  were  met  by  a 
large  body  of  mounted  Sioux  warriors,  who  in  surprise  greeted  our 
arrival.  The  story  was  soon  told,  and  Rev.  Madler  was  the  hero,  and 
I)eitosie  the  heroine  of  the  day. 

Two  days  afterward  Mr.  John  Madler  set  out  upon  his  journey. 
accompanied  by  an  "  Anee  "  (bachelor)  Indian  who  had  formed  * 
warm  attachment  for  him.  With  the  good  doctor  I  in  sorrow 
parted,  but  cheerfully  remarked  that  we  should  meet  again. 

"  If  not  in  this  world,  then  in  the  next,"  he  said. 

Shortly  after  this  commenced  a  series  of  persecutions  beyond 
Christian  forbearance.  Maer,  the  trader,  had  left  a  quantity  of  the 


\ 


j  *  £>PT1/ 

8B  MISS   BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

worst  whiskey  ever  distilled,  and  nearly  all  the  Indians  parto 
freeJy  of  it ;  Temulle  among  the  rest.  After  drinking  a  quant 
of  the  poisonous  liquid  he  would  come  to  the  lodge,  and  ordering  ) 
out  would  devise  all  sorts  of  plans  for  his  own  amusement.  Soi 
I  dare  not  mention,  but  others  I  will.  At  one  time  he  came  to  i 
and  said  that  the  council  had  ordered  me  to  swim  the  river,  whi 
was  near  the  village.  Accordingly  I  was  seized  by  two  squaws,  w 
forced  me  toward  the  river,  followed  by  Indians,  both  men  a 
women,  in  a  beastly  state  of  intoxication.  Arrived  at  the  river,  r 
tormentors  waded  out,  dragging  me  with  them.  Fortunately  th 
had  hold  of  the  wrong  person  to  gratify  them  in  the  manner  th 
desired,  as  I  was  an  expert  swimmer  and  readily  swam  to  the  opp 
tiite  bank.  Finding  that  they  were  foiled  in  their  Intentions  regai 
ing  myself,  the  male  Indians  forced  all  the  squaws,  who  had  acco 
panied  us,  into  the  river,  where  they  were  followed  and  forced  ir 
deep  water.  Some  five  or  six  of  the  women  could  not  swim,  a 
of  these  three  were  drowned,  to  the  great  amusement  of  the  drunk 
wretches  on  shore. 

At  another  time,  Temulle,  still  under  the  influence  of  liqu 
shipped  me  severely,  and  then  painted  my  face  with  the  blc 
which  ran  from  the  wounds  upon  my  body.  His  passion  for  t 
menting  me  was  at  its  height,  when  fortunately  for  me,  but  unfor 
oately  for  others,  two  teamsters  were  brought  in  as  prisonc 
A.nd— wiry  need  dwell  upon  the  horrible  scene  ? — these  men  were  t 
to  the  stake,  and  surrounded  by  howling,  drunken  Indians,  t\ 
were  burned  to  death. 

Not  long  after  this  terrible  affair,  two  white  girls  were  broughl 
our  village  and  forced  to  take  braves  as  husbands  or  die  at  the  sta 
From  them  I  learned  a  sad  history  of  Indian  cruelties.  Their  na 
was  Howson.  Three  years  previous  the  father,  John  W.  Hows 
and  his  wifc  and  three  children,  from  Kentucky,  had  sought 
found  a  home  in  the  far  West.  Everything  had  prospered,  and 
their  happy  home  few  thoughts  of  evil  came.  But  the  destrc 
was  on  their  track.  One  day  there  oame  seven  Indknp  ^ 


MISS  BARBER'S   NARRATIVE.  83 

exhibited  ever}  sign  of  peaceable  intentions.  They  asked  for  food 
and  received  it.  After  st&ffing  themselves  to  their  hearts'  content 
tlhey  asked  for  fire-water.  Mr.  Howson  and  his  wife,  who  were 
both  in  the  house,  informed  them  that  he  had  none,  in  fact  neve' 
used  it. 

"  White  man  lie  I "  said  one  of  the  Indians,  "and  me  kill  him,  he 
ao  give  us  fire-water." 

Mr.  flowson  still  persisting  that  there  was  nothing  of  that  kind 
in  the  house,  the  Indians  rushed  upon,  and  struck  him  to  the  ground, 
where  they  scalped  him  alive  before  the  e^es  of  his  distracted  family. 
Mrs.  Howson,  an  invalid,  unable  to  move  from  her  chair,  sat  wring 
ing  her  hands  and  calling  for  mercy.  The  Indians,  now  thoroughly 
maddened  at  the  sight  of  blood,  next  directed  their  attention 
toward  a  boy  of  about  four  years  of  age,  and  one  tall  powerful  brute 
took  him  by  the  heels  and  dashed  his  brains  out  against  the  door 
post.  The  daughters,  Annie  and  Lizzie,  had  fainted  at  this  horrible 
eight,  and  when  they  became  conscious  their  home  was  in  ashes,  and 
their  mother  buried  beneath.  The  Indians  who  committed  this 
dastardly  deed  were  of  the  Lo  tribe,  but  they  brought  their  captive? 
*o  our  village. 

Lizzie  Howson  was  a  very  pretty  blonde,  and  her  sister  Annie  & 
brunette  of  rare  beauty.  All  my  sympathies  were  enlisted  in  their 
favor;  but  what  could  I  do  to  aid  them?  Nothing,  absolutely 
nothing,  for  /  was  a  captive  in  reality.  Thoughts  of  escape,  with 
out  any  fixed  plan  to  accomplish  it,  were  again  running  through  my 

and — well,  the  next  chapter  will  let  you  into  se?»ral 
nform  yov  **•  to  several  ad^nturea  of  mine. 


86  MISS   BARBER'S   NARRATIVE. 

himself  at  our  fright!     Soon   he  will  rend   us  limb  from  limb! 
Some  such  wild  thoughts  presented  themselves  to  my  now  crazed 
Irain,  and  with  them  came  the  feeling  of  faintness  again.     My  com- 
anion  stood  like  a  bronze  statue,  nor  uttered  she  one  word. 

With  no  belief  in  things  supernatural,  the  idea  slowly  crept  ia 
upon  me  that  we  were  looking  at  the  spirit  of  Red  Rappo.  1  gained, 
at  length,  sufficient  courage  to  advance  a  few  steps.  As  I  did  so  I 
bade  the  object  before  us  to  come  forward,  if  he  were  man  or  spirit. 
But  there  staring  at  us,  with  a  look  that  chilled  my  very  blood, 
stood  Red  Rappo!  Suddenly  yells  were  echoed  throughout  the 
cave.  What  meant  those  shouts?  Whence  dfcl  they  proceed? 
With  feelings  none  can  describe,  I  turned  to  my  companion,  who  by 
this  time  had  regained  her  power  of  speech. 

Our  people  have  found,  and  followed  our  trail,"  she  said. 

Again  the  yells  were  sounded  in  our  ears,  and  the  truth  soon 
became  apparent  to  me.  Rushing  forward,  I  know  not  why,  I  ran 
against  the  object  which  had  caused  us  so  much  terror,  and  as  I  did 
so  it  fell — 'twas  the  body  of  Red  Rappo.  Here  was  another  mys 
tery.  Holding  the  torch  high  above  my  head  I  beheld  a  hole  neai 
where  the  body  had  been  placed,  and,  on  examination,  I  found 
another  cave  adjoining  the  one  we  were  in.  Hurriedly  .  bade 
Deitosie  follow  me,  and  soon  I  found  myself  in  a  cavern  ci  huge 
dimensions.  A  large  rock  lay  at  our  feet,  and,  with  the  a~  Lance 
of  the  Indian  maiden,  we,  upon  trial,  found  it  to  exactly  fit  uu  hole 
through  which  we  had  crawled.  We  had  scarcely  been  in  our  new 
hiding  place  a  minute,  when  we  heard  the  echo  of  voices,  and  the 
tramping  of  many  feet  in  the  adjoining  cave. 

Three  days  and  nights,  I  should  judge,  we  passed  ii  thie  cavern. 
Often  we  heard  voices  and  other  sounds,  but  our  hiding  place 
remained  undiscovered  by  our  pursuers.  At  last,  weary  of  :ur  »n- 
finement  we  concluded  to  carefully  advance  along  the  cavern.  Our 
torch  had  burned  to  its  last  knot,  and,  in  the  darkness,  we  were 
obliged  to  grope  our  way.  It  is  a  singular  fact  that  the  air  of  this 
cave  wag  not,  as  far  as  we  could  judge  from  our  feelings,  the  leaf 


86  MISS   BARBER'S   NARRATIVE. 

himself  at  our  fright!     Soon   he  will  rend   us  limb  from  limbl 
Some  such  wild  thoughts  presented  themselves  to  my  now  crazed 
Jrein,  and  with  them  came  the  feeling  of  faintness  again.     My  com- 
anion  stood  like  a  bronze  statue,  nor  uttered  she  one  word. 

With  no  belief  in  things  supernatural,  the  idea  slowly  crept  in 
Rpon  me  that  we  were  looking  at  the  spirit  of  Red  Rappo.  1  gained, 
at  length,  sufficient  courage  to  advance  a  few  steps.  As  I  did  so  I 
bade  the  object  before  us  to  come  forward,  if  he  were  man  or  spirit. 
But  there  staring  at  us,  with  a  look  that  chilled  my  very  blood, 
stood  Red  Rappo!  Suddenly  yells  were  echoed  throughout  the 
cave.  What  meant  those  shouts?  Whence  dfil  they  proceed? 
With  feelings  none  can  describe,  I  turned  to  my  companion,  who  by 
this  time  had  regained  her  power  of  speech. 

Our  people  have  found,  and  followed  our  trail,"  she  said. 

Again  the  yells  were  sounded  in  our  ears,  and  the  truth  soon 
became  apparent  to  me.  Rushing  forward,  I  know  not  why,  I  ran 
against  the  object  which  had  caused  us  so  much  terror,  and  as  I  did 
so  it  fell — 'twas  the  body  of  Red  Rappo.  Here  was  another  mys 
tery.  Holding  the  torch  high  above  my  head  I  beheld  a  hole  neai 
where  the  body  had  been  placed,  and,  on  examination,  I  found 
another  cave  adjoining  the  one  we  were  in.  Hurriedly  ..  bade 
Deitosie  follow  me,  and  soon  I  found  myself  in  a  cavern  ci  huge 
dimensions.  A  large  rock  lay  at  our  feet,  and,  with  the  a~  Lance 
of  the  Indian  maiden,  we,  upon  trial,  found  it  to  exactly  fit  ^u  hole 
through  which  we  had  crawled.  We  had  scarcely  been  in  our  new 
hiding  place  a  minute,  when  we  heard  the  echo  of  voices,  and  the 
tramping  of  many  feet  in  the  adjoining  cave. 

Three  days  and  nights,  I  should  judge,  we  passed  in  thL  cavern. 
Often  we  heard  voices  and  other  sounds,  but  our  hiding  plac« 
remained  undiscovered  by  our  pursuers.  At  last,  weary  of  :ur  300. 
finement  we  concluded  to  carefully  advance  along  the  cavern.  Our 
torch  had  burned  to  its  last  knot,  and,  in  the  darkness,  we  were 
obliged  to  grope  our  way.  It  is  a  singular  fact  that  the  air  of  this 
cave  wag  not,  as  far  aa  we  could  judge  from  our  feelings,  the 


.' 


. 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

, 

bh  impure.  We  were  reduced  in  provisions  to  one  piece  of  cooked 
be*  steak  weighing  about  two  pounds.  Fear  prevented  us  from 
re'  -rnirig  the  way  we  came,  even  if  we  had  been  able  to  find  the 
entrance,  which  is  doubtful,  and  our  situation  was  desperate.  T 

1  1    T  1       . 

remain  was  certain  starvation,  and  so  out  we  were  obliged  to  go 

A^ 

Bui  how?  Was  there  an  exit  to  this  cave?  We  pushed  hopefully 
on,  knowing  not  what  was  before  us.  At  any  moment  we  might  be 

plunged  down  some  deep  abyss.     Oh,  it  was  terrible,  but  there  was 

.... 
no  help  for  it,  so  on,  on  we  went. 

We  had  traversed  the  cavern  a  great  while  when  we  suddenly 
beheld  before  us  what  appeared  to  be  a  star  of  heaven.  Towards  it 
we  went,  and  after  walking  quite  a  distance  came  to  a  hole  scarcely 
large  enough  to  admit  a  person  to  crawl  through.  I  first  reached 
out  far  enough  to  take  a  view  of  itg  surroundings,  when  with  feelings 
of  despair  I  beheld,  directly  to  the  right  of  me,  the  self  same  brook,, 
rushing  down  the  rocks,  which  I  had  before  seen  in  the  other  cavern, 
But  joy !  joy,  to  the  left  of  me  I  saw  a  ledge  of  rock  upon  which  wer 
with  care,  could  crawl.  I  told  Deitosie  of  my  discovery,  and  crawled 

/.     11  1  A  1 

Mi,  followed  soon  alter  by  my  companion. 

The  rock  upon  which  we  stood  was  some  one  hundred  and  fifty 
»,  two  hundred  feet  above  the  plain  beneath  us.  Deitosie,  after 
Bulking  around  some  time,  came  to  me  with  the  news  that  to  the 
loft  of  us  was  a  natural  path  by  which  we  could  descend. 

Acuity,  we  managed,  at  last,  to  reach  the  valley 
and  with  thankful  hearts  we  knelt,  I  with  a  prayer,  which  waa 
•'ted  by  the  Indian  maiden.  After  a  long  rest  we  rose  to  our- 
feet  and  had  walked  some  distance,  when  we  heard  the  sound  of 
wheels  belonging  evidently  to  heavy  emigrant  wagons,  and  soon 
after  we  met  a  party  of  twenty  men,  and  with  them  tliree  wagon* 
and  twelve  horses.  I  entered  into  conversation  with  them  anct 
warned  them  to  go  to  the  extreme  right,  as  our  people  would,  in  air 
probability,  engage  them  in  battle  under  some  pretence,  and  rob 
them  of  everything.  They  were  pleased  to  learn  that  T  was  the  wife 
of  Teraulte  (or  Squatting  Bear  as  they  called  him),  told  me  they 


•0  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

-.4 

irere  on  their  way,  with  supplies,  to  Fort  Berthald,  and  wished  to 
stop  at  the  Brule  village.  I  did  not  like  to  own  that  I  was  then 
f,tempting  to  escape  from  my  husband,  and  therefore,  after  again 
tepcatirg  my  warning,  at  which  they  only  laughed,  I  left  :hem  to  go 
their  way  ,  They  had  been  gone  about  half  an  hour  when  who  should 
suddenly  appear  before  us  but  Temulle.  The  game  was  up  1  It 
bad  been  fairly  played,  but  our  antagonist  held  the  winning  card. 

Without  a  word  Temulle  pointed  toward  the  Brule  village,  and  I, 
in  company  with  my  companion,  led  the  way,  followed  closely  by 


f 
Arrived  at  the  village,  we  were  hailed  by  the  Indians  with  all 

sorts  of  exclamations,  and  I  was  glad  to  get  into  the  lodge,  to  escape 
their  taunts.  But  my  trouble  was  by  no  means  at  an  end.  Temulle 
walked  in  soon  after  and  whipped  me  so  severely  that  I  expected 
nothing  short  of  death  to  ensue.  Not  content  with  this  he  pounded 
me  with  his  fists,  until,  overcome  by  such  treatment,  I  fainted.  Nor 
was  this  all,  for  in  the  morning  I  awoke  to  learn  that  the  council, 
then  more  than  half  crazy  with  liquor,  had  condemned  me  to  be 
burned  at  the  stake. 

All  my  Christian  fortitude  was  required  to  bear  up  under  these 
trials. 

The  time  appointed  for  the  sacrifice,  as  the   Indians  termed  it, 

arrived,   and  with  trembling  limbs,  but  a  strong  faith   in  God,  I 

walked  forth  to  meet  my  doom.     Tied  to  the  stake  I  waited  the  sig 

nal   that  would  start  the  flames  around  me.     The   sky  was  dark 

with  clouds,  heavy  winds  were  blowing,  when  suddenly  vivid  flashes 

of  lightning  illumined  the  heavens  above.     \Vaanataa  now  appeared 

~jpon  the  scene,  and  addressed  the  Indians,     lie  hade  them  beware 

>"  the  Great  Spirit's  wrath.     They  were  about  to  burn  a  woman  who 

fwl  never  harmed  them,  and  the  Great  Spirit  would  talk  to  them, 

Jls  he  spoke  a  loud  peal  of  thunder  rent  the  air,  and  the  Indians 

dropped  as  if  struck  by  some  unseen  power.     There  I  stood  a  wit- 

to  this  scene  of  so  much  import  to  myself. 
The  elements  were  v»ow  let  loose  in  all  their  fury.     The  wind  blew 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  91 

.8.  V  "rAHHA  WL    c?H3FTHAa    ^ 

m  perfect  hurricane,  peal  after  peal  crashed  as  if  in  contentitn  -with 
some  great  antagonist,  and  the  vividness  of  the  lightning  clearly 
exposed  each  object  to  view,  when  suddenly  the  earth  trembled, 
then  shook  and  shook  again,  till  with  one  mighty  heave  it  seemed 
to  throw  off  all  the  weight  upon  it,  and  the  next  flash  of  lightning 
showed  the  land  not  far  off,  to  be  split  as  far  as  the  eye  eould  reach. 
During  these  events  Waanataa  could  be  seen  standing  erect,  calm 
and  collected. 

Presently  the  storm  abated,  and  Waanataa  walked  up  to  the 
stake  and  severed  the  cords  which  bound  me,  and  then,  turning  to 
the  Indians,  huddled  together  like  sheep,  he  said : 

"  Sioux,  the  Great  Spirit  has  spoken,  and  do  you  not  know  what 
the  lightning  was  saying  ?  " 

After  the  storm  had  passed  over  I  went  to  my  lodge,  and  thert 
offered  up  a  prayer  of  thanksgiving  for  my  rescue  from  death. 

Temulle,  for  some  time  subsequently,  treated  me  with  great  res 
pect,  as  did  also  the  rest  of  the  tribe,  but  this  soon  wore  oflj  and 
again  did  I  submit  to  seemingly  never-ending  persecutions. 

The  following  day  a  white  man  approached  the  village  on  horse 
back,  and  informed  us  that  he  was  one  of  a  party  en  route  for  Fort 
Berthald.  He  it  was  with  whom  I  had  conversed  and  warned  not 
to  entor  the  Brule  village. 

After  great  parley  he  was  ordered  to  bring  his  companions  before 
the  chief,  and  accordingly  did  so,  when  commenced  a  general  massa 
cre,  only  one  of  th  arty  escaping  to  tell  the  tale. 

Things  in  the  neighborhood  were  getting  too  hot  for  a  longer 
stay  on  the  part  of  the  Sioux,  and  owing  to  the  late  murders  and 
depredations,  ih~j  <xiiew  that  the  pale-faces  would  soon  be  on  the  trail 
as  avengers,  and  consequently  after  a  council  had  been  held,  it  was 
agreed  that  the  best  policy  would  be  to  "  pull  up  stakes "  and 
leave. 

T^e  Indians  generally  act  upon  impulse,  and  in  a  short  time  our 
tribe  was  on  the  move,  and  the  deserted  village  lay  far  behind.  Fox 
iay§  w*  travelled,  and  I,  the  "noble  Indian's  wife,"  was  obliged  to 


.2  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

bear  my  pack  with  the  other  squtws.  At  length  w«  arri  ?ed  at  Miaa 
Wakan  Lake,  where  we  remained  but  a  short  time,  fearing  pursuit, 
!  ruck  across  the  border,  avoiding  Manitoba,  however.  Our 
Bourse  now  laj  along  the  Assiniboin  river,  on  the  banks  of  which 
we  encamped  several  days.  A  few  miles  from  the  banks  of  the 
Assiniboin  river,  a  hut,  occupied  oy  an  Indian  of  the  Blackfeet  tribe, 
was  discovered,  and  from  him  Temulle  obtained  another  supply  of 
whiskey,  and  then  again  commenced  the  deviltries  previously  prac 
tised,  and  as  I  was  about  the  only  object  to  practise  upon,  "  your 
bumble  servant "  was  the  instrument  used  for  his  amusement. 

Temulle  was  at  his  wits'  end  for  some  new  amusement,  when  he 
conceived  the  idea  of  dressing  Meemole  and  myself  in  male  costume, 
that  of  the  braves,  and  placing  us  face  to  iace  in  deadly  combat. 
So  after  being  obliged  to  dress  as  directed,  I  was  brought  forward 
and  confronted  by  Meemole,  dressed  in  a  similar  manner,  and  who 
judging  by  the  smile  of  satisfaction  she  wore,  seemed  inclined  to 
enjoy  the  thing  immensely.  I  remonstrated,  but  to  no  effect,  and 
was  told  that  Meemole  had  orders  to  kill  me  whether  I  foughi  or 
not.  Out  of  all  the  Indians  present  but  three  stood  by  me  as 
champions :  these  three  were  Waanataa,  Deitosie,  and  little- 
Leeonoge.  Deitosie  begged  Temulle  to  allow  her  to  take  my  place, 
and  even  little  Leeonoge  expressed  a  wish  to  "go  right  up  and 
kiH  bad  squaw." 

_.  .  -  «       i    •         A  •  x-     1    1     3       T_          T       V 

The  idea  of  this  Amazonian  encounter  tickled  the  Indians  im 
mensely,  and  with  sinking  heart,  I  saw  that  there  was  no  help  for 
it,  I  must  either  kill  or  be  killed.  I  did  not  relish  the  idea  of 

human  blood  upon  my  hands,  nor  was  I  inclined   to  sit  calmly  b^< 

&"  v.  . 

receive  the  knife  of  my  bitter  enemy. 

. 
Meemole  had,  since  her  marriage,  left  no  means  undone  to  annoy 

me,  and  all  ray  sufferings  both  at  her  hands  and  those  of  Temuller 
gave  her  the  greatest  delight,  but  I  trust  the  kind  reader  will  credit 

me  when  I  assert  that  no  feelings  of  revenge  toward  her  had  ever 

;       ,-*.>. '  <*  •. ''    •,-(.'      ...  .        £*o'*!3A6w  £"'  >'-•"•    BTCMH    •  '•'  £*O  -:Jif?  yOi;, 

possessed  me. 

"WaanAtaa  came  and  in  a  whisper,  advised  me  to  stand  up  bravely 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  93 

.and  fight  it  out,  for  "  she  is  not  likely  to  kill  you,"  be  said,  '  and  if 
you  watch  your  opportunity  and  seize  with  a  firm  hand  her  right 
wrist,  and  cut  her  slightly  across  the  stomach  the  victory  is  yours. 
Nothing,"  he  added,  "  will  cause  greater  fear  in  such  an  encounter 
than  a  cut  on  that  particular  part  of  the  body.  I  have  known 
Vaves  to  receive  severe,  and  sometimes  death  wounds,  in  more  vital 
ry\rts,  and  continue  fighting,  not  knowing  that  they  were  badly  cut 
A  hilst  at  other  times  I  have  seen  them  conqured  by  a  little  scratch 
a  -TOSS  the  stomach." 

Knowing  that  Waanataa,  next  to  Deitosie,  stood  my  best  friend, 
I  Jecided  to  act  upon  his  advice. 

It  is  perhaps  necessary,  though  I  hesitate  through  modesty,  in 
asserting  it,  to  state  that  I  am  what  is  termed  a  well  made  woman. 
Brought  up  in  the  country,  and  having  at  the  same  time  a  cesire  to 
avail  myself  of  the  exercise  which  may  there  be  obtain***.*.  5.o*  -. 
be  a  strong  girl,  and  at  fifteen  there  were  few  of  the  boys  in  oui 
neighborhood  who  cared  to  test  my  strength — in  fact,  I  was  at  that 
age  a  perfect  "  torn  boy." 

My  opponent,  in  this  contest,  possessed  a  well  knit  body,  and  no 
doubt  we  were  equally  matched. 

And  now  came  preparations  for  the  "  tug  of  war."  Face  to  face 
we  stood,  knives  in  hand.  On  her  face  malice,  and  a  fixed  look 
which  boded  me  no  good.  Upon  my  face  there  was,  I  am  sure,  an 
expression  of  determination.  I  resolved  not  to  kill  her  unless 
mished  to  rlo  *r>  in  self-defence.  The  signal  to  commence  hostilities 
id  quick  as  lightning  Meemole  sprang  forward,  and 

are  of  it,  gave  me  a  severe  cut  across  the  face  with 

her  knife.  For  a  moment  I  was  bewildered,  but  remembering  my 
danger,  and  I  may  truly  say,  my  American  blood  being  up,  I  went 
in  for  dear  life.  My  first  effort  was  to  seize  her  right  wrist,  which 
fortunately  I  succeeded  in  doing,  but  she  too  had  learned  that  trick, 
and  so  I  found  myself  non-combattant.  Now  commenced  a  struggle 
for  supremacy.  Locked  in  each  other's  arms,  we  neither  of  us  could 
the  knife.  At  last  wth  an  effort  I  threw  my  antagonist,  and  SLS 


*4  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

•he  fell  she  pulled  me  with  her,  leaving  me  however  "on  top." 
Several  Indians  now  stepped  forward  and  separated  us,  and  we  were 
commanded  to  stand  upon  our  feet,  which  we  did,  and  having  learned 
a  lesson  from  Meemole  at  the  commencement  of  the  encounter,  I  pro 
ceeded  immediately  to  put  it  to  practical  use,  and  this  time  it  was 
her  turn  to  receive  the  cut  upon  the  face. 

The  quickness  with  which  I  accomplished  this  served  to  call  forth 
the  applause  of  the  drunken  Indians,  and  Meemole  in  no  manner 
relishing  this  good  opinion  of  my  powers,  rushed  forward,  the  blood 
Htreaming  from  her  face,  with  the  fury  of  an  eni-uged  tigress.  The 
blade  of  her  knife  clashed  against  mine,  and  centring  all  my 
strength  in  the  one  arm,  I  threw  my  antagonist  off.  Again  she 
came  at  me,  and,  acting  on  the  defensive,  I  backed  a  step  or  two, 
and  she  in  miscalculating  the  distance  would  have  fallen,  had  I  not 
instantly  seized  her,  and  doing  so  we  both  fell. 

This  time  there  was  no  interference,  and  we  rolled  over  and  over, 
cutting  and  slashing  at  each  other  in  a  manner  which  appeared  to  be 
terrible,  but  which  was  in  reality  of  no  great  effect,  except  to  start 
a  considerable  quantity  of  bl<x>d.  Temulle  at  last,  seeing  that  I  was 
getting  the  best  of  the  squaw,  ordered  us  to  be  separated.  Again 
we  stood  face  to  face,  and  a  sorry  appearance  we  must  have  presented. 
Meeraole  had  decidedly  the  worst  of  it,  but  her  courage  was  by  no 
means  gone,  and  it  bade  fair  to  be  a  long  and  deadly  encounter. 
She  lost  no  time  in  acting  on  the  offensive,  and  it  was  with  great 
difficulty  that  I  avoided  several  savage  thrusts,  any  one  of  which,  I 
doubt  not,  would  have  proved  fatal  to  my  existence.  Many  times 

had  I  attempted  the  "  cut "  which  Waanataa  advised   me  to  make, 

, 

but  without  success. 

My  antagonist  was  now  becoming  weak  from  loss  of  blood,  and  in 
her  despair  was  fighting  wildly,  and  in  such  a  manner  that  I  could 
not  have  longer  warded  off  her  stabs,  had  not  fortune  at  last  favored 
me,  for  in  another  attempt  I  succeded  in  grasping  Meemole's  wrist, 
and  quick  as  thought,  dealt  her  a  cut  across  the  stomach,  whicb 
thoroughly  unnerved  her,  and  the  victory  was  mine  I 


SS   BARBER'S   NARRATIVE.  VT 

of  blood,  and  unnerved  through  excitement,  I 
"aanataa,  to  my  lodge,  the  Indians  making  way  for 
ide  my  courage  was  lauded  to  the  skies.  In  a  day 
tiently  recovered  to  be  able  to  assist  in  the  care  of 
eemole,  who  was  very  grateful,  and  ever  afterward 
id  firm  friend  of  mine. 

nously  mentioned  as  living  a  few  miles  from  4he 
janie  to  our  encampment  two  or  three  days  after 
ntest,  and  having  heard  of  it,  he  expressed  a  great 
ne. 

indered  a  short  distance  from  our  temporary  vil- 
r  the  Indian  trader,  and  his  attentions  becoming 
e  to  satisfy  my  sense  of  propriety,  I  started  to 
detained  me,  and  despite  my  endeavors  to  escape 
>  his  hut.  We  had  scarcely  arrived  there,  when 
appearance,  and  then  commenced  a  hand  to  hand 
i  these  two  red  men,  in  which  however  my  husbana 
best  of  his  antagonist,  and  soon-overpowered  him. 
nd  him  hand  and  foot,  and  dragged  him  to  the  vil- 
s  roasted  alive.  The  Brules  afterward  confiscated 

burned  his  hut  to  the  ground. 

.,T  ,.  , 

ur   encampment    W aanataa    discovered    a  cave  or 

,  in  which  were  found  skulls  and  skeltons  of  a  race 
nee  extinct,.  The  shortest  one  of  these  skeletons 
en  less  than  seven  feet  nine  in  length,  and  several 
measured  over  eleven  feet.  Tomahawks  of  queer 
peculiar  make,  and  other  articles  were  found  in 

which,  an  ornament  cut  from  a  solid  block  of  gold, 

possession. 

Kxssible  to  narrate  in  one  volume  the  many  exciting 
luring  my  five  years'  sojourn  among  the  Indians, 
templation  the  compilation  of  another  book  of  thig 
3  comprised  of  adventures  among  the  Cheyenne 
3  I  have  a  gre*fcar  respect  for  than  that  which  J 


»8  MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

tnfortair.  for  the  B rule-Sioux.  During  my  life  among  the  latter,  £ 
met  and  conversed  with  Spotted  Tail  and  many  other  well  kno*n 
Indians.  In  the  month  of  August,  1872  (the  year  of  my  return),  7 
was  on  a  visit  to  Kew  York  city,  and  again  met  and  conversed  with 
Spotted  Tail,  and  his  squaw,  who,  by  the  way,  is  a  sister  to  th« 
41  Little  Leeonoge,"  of  whom  I  have  spoken. 

Our  tribe  was  on  the  move  for  a  long  while,  and  during  that  time 
wo  visited  the  winter  Trading  Post,  Blackfeet  territory,  having 
travelled  along  a  very  beautiful  little  river  known  as  the  Mouse, 
afterwards  striking  the  Plum  river.  We  were  at  one  time  near  Fort 
Ellice,  and  tberice  along  the  Qu  Appelle  river,  and  afterwards  stop 
ped  at  the  Qu  Appelle  Post.  We  spent  some  time  on  the  Fishing 
Lakes  among  the  Blackfeet  Indians,  and  again  along  the  Red  D<!<5r 
river  to  Cache  Camp,  taking  in  Old  Bow  Fort  cnroute.  During  t'h is 
time  I  was  to  a  great  extent  thoroughly  resigned  to  my  situation 
Temulle  had  for  a  long  time  aoted  toward  me  in  a  manner  more 
lenient  than  during  the  first  two  years  of  our  marriage,  but  suddenly 
&  complete  change  took  place  in  his  disposition,  and  again  I  was 
subject  to  such  cruel  treatment  that  I  firmly  resolved  to  escape. 
Early  in  the  spring  we  returned  to  Dakota  territory,  and  afterwards 
went  with  the  greater  portion  of  our  tribe  into  the  State  of  Minnesota. 
Here  were  renewed  those  cruelties  which  I  have  before  mentioned. 

One  day  there  came  to  our  camp  an  old  hunter  named  Daniel 
Leroy.  I  seized  the  first  opportunity  to  speak  to  this  man  about 
my  desire  to  leave  the  Indians,  and  he  promised  that  if  it  ever  lay 
in  his  power  to  assist  me  he  should  not  hesitate  to  render  me  aid. 

Temulle,  on  one  occasion,  had  just  given  me  a  severe  whipping, 
when  there  came  to  the  village  an  old  Brule  chief,  who  had  been 
v  for  many  years  among  the  Blackfeet.  lie  witnessed  the  scene 
between  my  husband  and  myself.  Without  flinching  I  had  received 
the  whipping  administered  by  Temulle,  and  he  seemed  to  enjoy  my 
suffering.  At  the  conclusion  he  offered  Temulle  a  pony  in  exchange 
for  the  '  white  squaw.'  This  offer  being  refused  he  next  offered 
two,  and  *&en  three  ponies,  and  for  three  ponies  my  noble  (?)  Indian 


MISS   BARBER'S  NARRATIVE.  99 

husband  handed  rne  over  to  Mackamoze,  the  old  Brule  chief,  who 
that  very  day  set  out  for  a  neighboring  tribe,  accompanied  by  an 
'*  Anee  "  friend.  I  bade  good  bye  to  Deitosie,  Waanataa  aad  Littl« 
Leeonoge(the  latter  was  then  in  a  dying  condition),  and  followed  my  new 
"  proprietor."  Daniel  Leroy,  the  old  hunter,  did  not  even  come  for 
ward  to  bid  me  farewell,  but  kept  decidedly  aloof. 

We  had  been  on  our  way  two  days,  and  had  probably  travelled 
«ome  forty  odd  miles,  when  we  struck  a  small  stream  called  the  "  Naog" 
(roaring)  brook.  Mackamoze  expressed  it  as  his  intention  to  remain 
here  some  three  or  four  days.  We  had  scarcely  been  upon  the  spot 
selected  an  hour  when  Daniel  Leroy  rode  up,  having  the  three  ponies 
given  Temulle  by  the  old  chief,  with  him.  He  entered  into  a  con 
versation  with  Mackamoze,  the  substance  of  which  was  that  he  desired 
to  bay  me  back.  He  offered  the  three  ponies  and  other  presents, 
and  promised  the  old  chief  "much  money"  if  he  would  accompany 
us  to  one  of  the  forts  after  the  trade. 

Nothing  however  would  induce  Mackamoze  to  trade  for  me,  and  he 

0 

and  the  other  Indian  took  possession  of  the  three  ponies  and  bade  the 
hunter  leave  them  instantly  under  pain  of  death.  They  asserted  that 

Leroy  had'stolen  the  ponies. 

• 
In   vain  did  he  deny  the  charge   arid  assert  that  he   had  paid 

Temulle  for  them.  At  last  in  desperation  he  struck  down  the 
"  Anee"  with  the  butt  end  of  his  gun,  and  turning  instantly,  pointed 
the  muazle  of  it  toward  Mackamoze,  ordering  him  to  stand  or  be  shot 

o 

down  in  his  tracks.     The  old  chief  rushed  forward — Leroy  pulled 

i 

the  trigger — the  gun  missed  fire,  and  dropping  it,  he  seized  Macka 
moze,  and  then  came  a  struggle  for  supremacy.  For  a  long  time 
neither  could  throw  the  other.  At  length  they  both  fell  heavily 
to  the  ground. 

Over  and  over  they  rolled,  both  adepts  in  the  tricks  of  a  hand  to 

• 
hand  encounter.     It  was  a  prolonged  contest.     Blood  flowed  freely 

from  each.  With  .a  great  struggle  Leroy  succeeded  in  shaking  off 
his  antagonist,  and  in  a  moment  was  on  his  feet.  But  not  before  the 

•i-  :  --.•:>*;  ill-        .•<*'.    ;         _'-:  i^a,  :,-...' .-.'i.-.i •     i.i ,    ^>t>]  '•  '  '  -\& 

B   who  was  ui  *nd  ready  to  meet  him  again.     They  clinched 
*«O<H  gaoau  R0Ef  jc  nmalrartJ  To  m^to      °  J  ^ 


•€H 

1<X)  MISS    BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

and  the  struggle  was  again  desperately  renewed.  Near,  verj  nea* 
to  them  was  the  rnouth  of  a  yawning  abyss.  I  called  to  Leroy, 
warning  him  of  his  danger,  but,  alas,  too  late,  for  a  few  steps  back 
ward  carried  the  Indian  over  the  edge,  and  in  his  fall  he  clung  to 
the  buck-skin  jacket  o-f  his  adversary,  thus  dragging  the  old  hunter 
with  him.  They  disappeared  from  my  sight.  With  terror  I  rushed 
to  the  edge  of  the  abyss,  and  there  hung  Leroy,  his  legs  twistea 
around  a  wancton  tree,  which  grew  on  a  ledge  of  rock,  and  still 
clinging  to  him  was  the  Indian  chief.  The  strength  of  Leroy  seemed 
superhuman,  for  as  he  hung  he  managed  with  one  hand,  by  seizing 
the  tree,  to  steady  himself,  whilst  with  the  other  he  repeatedly 
stabbed  his  antagonist,  who,  with  a  yell  of  agony,  let  go  his  hold,  and 
went  crashing  down  on  the  rocks  below. 

Leroy  found  great  difficulty  in  regaining  an  upright  position 
after  the  Indian  had  let  go  his  hold;  but  at  last,  with  what  assistant 
I  could  render,  he  accomplished  the  feat,  and  after  a  rest  we  started 
toward  the  white  settlements,  where,  after  several  days1  journey  we 
arrived  completely  exhausted. 

I  scon  found  friends  enough,  who  dressed  me  in  "  civilized  cos 
tume,"  and  I  was  shortly  afterward  on  my  way  to  Fort  LeavenwortK 
and  remaining  there  but  a  short  time,  I  started  for  the  good  Ok$ 
Bay  State. 

During  my  stay  among  the  Brule-Sioux,  William  Welsh,  Esc|v 
made  an  official  visitation  among  the  Indians,  and  afterward  made 
some  wise  and  good  suggestions  in  his  report  He  gave  ;*h  jiiter- 
esting  account  of  the  social  and  religious  condition  of  the  various 
tribes,  and  urges  the  more  thorough  carrying  out  of  the  principle  that 
•when  a  civilized  people  deprive  the  uncivilized  possessors  of  the  soil 
of  their  food  and  clothing,  the  civilized  people  are  bound  to  subsist* 
and  clothe  the  uncivilized  until  they  can  support  themselves.  Mr 
Welsh  also  recommends  the  United  States  Government  to  adopt; 
more  effective  measures  for  the  prohibiton  of  the  whiskey  traffic 
among  the  Indians,  and  in  that  recommendation  I  too  join  an  earnest 
prayer  for  the  total  prohibition  of  the  damning  fluid  among  thos* 


MISS  BARBER'S  NAHSATITE.  lO. 

creatures,  for  two  thirds  ot  the  murders  and  wart  among 
themselves  and  against  the  whites  are  committed  under  its  influence 
and  to  the  other  third  we  can  but  add  that  it's  man's  inhumanity  to 
the  red-man.  _____ 

If  my  narrative  has  proved  interesting  I  am  well  satisfied,  but  if 
in  its  perusal  some  silly  girl  may  change  her  mind  regarding  the 
noble  red  men  and  relinquished  all  thoughts  of  going  among  them 
for  any  purpose  whatever,  the*?  am  I  fully  satisfied. 


!":.•' -•- 


CHAPTER    TIL 

OBSERVATIONS  ON  INDIAN  PRACTICE  OF  MEDICINE — MANNER  OF 
TREATMENT — INDIAN  HERBS,  ETC.,  WITH  TRANSLATIONS — RECEIPT* 
FOR  VAKIOUS  DISEASES — NEVER  KNOWN  TO  FAIL. 

HAVE,  since  my  return,  been  importuned  by  numerous  friends 
and  acquaintances,  to  give  to  the  public  some  of  the  receipts 
in  use  among  the  Indians,  for  the  cure  of  diseases.     The  pub 
lishers  of  this  work,  knowing  the  great  value  of  these  receipts, 
gladly  publish  them,  and  will  fally  indorse  their  efficacy.     I 
am  confident  that  the  reader  will  do  well  to  preserve  the  receipts, 
as,  where  they  have  been  properly  applied,  I  have  never,  in  one 
instance,  known  them  to  fail. 

In  the  spelling  of  the  Indian  names  I  use  a  system  of  my  own, 
which  is  to  spell  words  according   to  their  sound  in  pronouncin 
them.     My  translations  may  be  thoroughly  relied  upon  as    being 
accurate. 


FROSTED  MEMBERS. — The  Indians  make  a  plaster  of  the  resin 
of*  sap-pine,  which  has  a  soothing  effect,  and  removes  all  irrita 
tion.  

CHOLERA  MORBUS. — Make  a  gruel  of  Wa 

of  Han-to-la  (liquorice).  Then  get  a  small  quantity  of  Nee-char-lo 
(red  raspberry  leaves),  and  make  a  strong  tea,  which  must  be  given 
to  patient  half  a  glassful  every  hour,  or  oftener,  according  to  severity 
of  the  case. 

The  red  raspberry  leaves  are   excellent   in   stopping   looseness 
of  the  bowels,  but  care  should  be  taken  not  to   stop  the  looseness 
suddenly. 
102 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

RHEUMATISM. — This  complaint  is  very  prevalent  among  the 
Indians.  Take  equal  parts  of  Alo-pinus  (white  pine  bark),  Lappee 
(burdock  seeds),  Alo-ja-ka  (prickly-ash  bark),  and  Nee-was-char 
(.what  ifl  known  as  Serpentaria  Virgmiana,  or  Virginia  snake  root). 
>£ake  a  strong  infusion,  and  drink  freely  through  the  day.  The 
Indians  while  doctoring  rheumatism  make  a  free  use  of  cold  water 
applied  to  the  parts  afflicted,  and  give  the  patient  a  severe  rubbing 
two  or  three  times  a  day. 

HOARSENESS,   AWTHMA,     COMPLAINTS    OF    THE    BREAST,    LUN(*8, 

ETC.— Take   of  the  leaves  of  hoarhound,  dried,  2   ounces;  infuse 
them  for  twenty-four  hours  in  half  a  pint  of  boiling  water  (and  I 
advise  the  addition  of  half  a  pint  of  spirits) ;  strain,  and  add  quarter 
of  a  pound  of  honey,  and  one  teaspoonful  of  the  essence  of  lemon. 
% For  adult  one  or  two  tablespoonfuls  every  two  hours. 


PULMONARY  DISEASES.— (Especially  efficacious  for  bleeding  at 
the  lungs.)  Ne-bra-ta-hea  (liverwort),  \  pound ;  Sa-bas-sa  (Solo 
mon's  seal),  \  pound;  Kee-chi-hee  (skunk  cabbage),  \  pound; 
Shu-jee  (blood-root),  2  ounces ;  Pin-nee-se-ah  (water  'hoarhound), 
\  pound.  Add  a  sufficient  quantity  of  water  ;  boil,  and  pour  off  the 
water  till  the  strength  is  obtained;  strain,  and  boil  say  to  six  porter 
bottlefuls,  and  add  five  pounds  of  strained  honey  ;  remove  from  the 
fire ;  (I  then  advise  the  addition  of  half  a  pint  of  brandy ;)  let  it  settle, 
and  bottle  for  use.  Dose.— A  wine  glassful  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

N.  B. — The  Indians,  by  a  preparation  known  only  to  themselves, 
make  a  liquid  which  forms  an  ingredient  in  nearly  all  their  medi 
cines.  It  takes  the  place  of  brandy  and  spirits,  and  therefore  I 
the  use  of  those  liquids  in  several  of  the  receipts  given. 


A  VALUABLE  POWDER.— Take  equal  parts  of  Wee-ne  oh  (pol 
arized  mandrake);  See-tu-bar  (pulverized  spearmint);  Wanc-to-« 
Ccream  of  tartar).  Mix.  Dose.— -A.  teaspoonful  in  tea  or  syrup. 

The  above  receipt  is  useful  in  dieases  of  the  liver,  dyspepsia, 
obstructed  menses,  dropsy,  in  venereal  diseases,  and  in  every  taiai 
if  the  ay  atom 


104  MISS  BARBER'S   NARRATIVE. 

CATARRH.  (Snuff  powder.)—  Hon-kos-ka  (high  laurefy  1  ounce; 
Sa-wah-ja  (sassafras),  1  ounce;  Shu-jee  (blood-root),  1  ounoe. 
Pulverize;  mix  well. 


INDIAN  POULTICE. — Scrape  the  common  carrot,  add  to  it  a  deco- 
Ag-ga-ga  (spikenard  root),  and  stir  in  Indian  meal.  They 
owe  the  above  poultice  in  case  of  inflammation  bordering  on  gangrene 
or  mortification. 


TONIC  TINCTURE.— Take  of  good  soui  or  hard  cider,  1  gallon; 
^.okee  (white-oak  bark),  2J  ounces ;  Whal-lo-ke  (horseradish  root), 
•4  ounces;  Senecka-oko  (Seneca  snake  root),  1J  ounce;  carbonate  of 
aroa,  1J  ounce;  Boel-lo-kee  (golden  seal  root),  1  ounce;  Mael-to- 
foa-nee  (capsicum),  J  ounce.  Use. — A  sure  remedy  for  intermittent 
fevers,  debility,  and  impoverished  state  of  the  blood.  It  is  also 
excellent  in  obstructed  menses,  and  the  dropsy,  worms,  etc. 

TINCTURE  OF  STRAMONIUM. — Pulverized  seeds  of  Stramonium, 
2  ounces ;  proof  spirits,  1  quart.  Let  it  stand  one  week.  Dose. — 
Twenty-five  drops  twice  a  day.  Use. — Cure  of  epilepsy,  neuralgia, 
£>alpitation  of  the  heart,  and  fits.  The  proof  spirits  act  the  same  ae 
3i*e  Indian  ingredient — "  Va-va-so-lee." 

A  VALUABLE  VEGETABLE  CAUSTIC. — Make  a  strong  ley  of  hickory 
«>r  oak  ashes,  put  it  into  an  iron  kettle,  and  evaporate  till  dry ;  pul 
verize,  and  preserve  it  in  closed  vessels.     The    Indians   use  this 
caustic  with  great  success.     It  is  highly  useful  in  the  treatment  of 
J&falas,  also  in  indolent  ukers  of  every  kind.     ]'<-  remove 
tiesh  without  exciting  any  inflammation,  and  acts 
spongy  or  soft  flesh.     It  is  useful  in  cancers,  and  in  every  case  where 
«  caustic  is  required.  j 


EXCELLENT  EYEWATER.— Take  of  Sa-wah-ja  (pith  of  sassafras) 
1  drachm.  Add  to  it  a  suitable  quantity  of  rose-water.  It  will  be 
tabued  beneficial  in  the  treatment  of  ophthalmia,  or  inflammation  of 
efceeyes 


MISS  BARBEB'S  NARRATIVE. 

GABGLS. — Take  Sa-moon  (sage),  1  ounce ;  Rave-o-ee  (hyssop^ 
1  ounce ;  pour  on  one  quart  of  boiling  water,  and  let  it  stand 
half  an  hour,  then  straiu,  and  add  1  drachm  of  fine  borax.  Use. — 
This  gargle  is  usefully  employed  by  the  Sioux  tribe  in  aphthae, 
and  in  quinsy  or  sore  throat,  particularly  where  there  is  acute 
inflammation. 

GARGLE  FOR  PUTRID  SORE  THROAT. — Gee- sumach  (bark  of 
upland  sumach);  Lee-lo-we-nee  (high  blackberry);  Alo-as-ter  (com 
mon  white  elrn  bark) ;  Alo-o-e-oh  (white  oak  bark) ;  Was-char-ee 
(gmall  black  snake-roof)  ;  Sum-me,  ah-ah  (nanny  berry  bark).  Take 
of  each  a  handful,  except  the  snake-root,  which  must  be  only  half 
the  quantity ;  make  a  strong  decoction,  add  a  piece  of  alum,  and 
sweeten  well  with  honey,  then  bottle  for  use.  Apply  often  to 
the  sores  with  a  rag.  It  may  at  first  irritate  a  little,  but  then  cures. 
I  have  seen  hundreds  cured  by  this  gargle  where  all  other  meanf 
were  of  no  avail.  In  place  of  alum  the  Indians  use  a  peculiar  kind 
of  grass,  but  the  alum  I  know  to  be  an  excellent  substitute  from 
experience. 


INFUSIONS. — Infusions,  or,  as  they  are  usually  called,  teas,  are  a 
very  common  and  good  method  used  by  the  Indians,  of  administer 
ing  the  virtues  of  various  medical  agents.  A  two-fold  benefit  is 
derived  from  infusions:  1st,  the  medicinal  properties  of  the  article 
made  use  of;  2dly,  the  heat  and  diluent  properties  of  the  water. 

During  the  year  of  my  return  (1872),  which  will  be  long  remem 
bered  as  one  of  epidemics,  and  general  sickness,  my  success  among 
my  friends  and  acquaintances,  in  the  treatment  of  various  diseases, 
•was  so  great  that  I  was  frequently  urged  by  them  to  practise 
medicine  professionally;  and  by  the  use  of  herb  teas  this  success  was 
accomplished. 

An  excellent  method  to  make  teas  or  infusions  is  to  put  the  plant 
or  root  into  a  tea-pot,  pour  on  boiling  water,  and  let  it  stand  a  short 
time  by  the  side  of  the  fire.  In  this  way  the  infusion  is  readily  made 
^ery  clear.  For  infusions  generally,  put  a  handful  of  the  herb 
into  a  tea-pot,  and  add  a  quart  of  boiling  water ;  when  cool,  drink 
freely. 

For  kidney  complaint  an  excellent  tea  can  be  made  of  Tat-ta-lo* 


MISS  BARBER'S  NARRATIVE. 

For  weak  lungs,  coughs,  pain  in  the  breast,  loss  of  appetite, 
pepsia,  etc.,  the  following  tea  will  be  found  very  beneficial. 

Char-ee  (snake-root) ;  Boel-art  (gold  thread) ;  Ga-no-ee-ah  (cen- 
teury);  "Worlo-wanct  (wormwood);  Sy-an-zee  (tansy);  Dee-no-ee 
(boneset) ;  Pin-nee-se-ah  (hoarhound) :  of  each  one  handful. 

Dose. — To  a  large  tablespoonful  pour  one  pint  of  boiling  water : 
when  cold  drink  a  wine  glassful  four  times  a  day. 

An  excellent  tea  to  expel  worms  is  the  following : 

Ta-taa-ore  (Carolina  pink),  J  an  ounce ;  Ano-ano   (senna),  J  an- 

ounce ;  Eno-ano  (manna),  j  an  ounce. 

Dose. — Half  a  tea-cupful  three  or  four  times  a  day  for  a  child  six 

years  old,  or  sufficient  to  purge. 

The  following  tea,  as  a  cleansing  and  cooling  purgative,  cannot 
be  excelled.  It  is  useful  in  fevers  and  inflammatory  diseases. 

Ano-ano  (senna),  J  an  ounce ;  Eno-ano  (manna),  J  an  ounce ;. 
Sa-sa-poh  (fennel  seed,  bruised),  I  teaspoonful. 

Add  to  the  above  half  an  ounce  of  cream  of  tartar,  after  having 
put  the  senna  and  manna  in  one  pint  of  boiling  water,  and  strained 
it,  then  sweeten.  In  place  of  cream  of  tartar  the  Indians  use  a 
powder  which  they  manufacture  from  laurel  leaves,  but  as  I  do  no* 
inow  the  formula,  and  do  know  the  beneficial  effect  of  cream  of 

tartar,  I  advise  the  use  of  the  latter. 

„•  .... 

Dose. — A  wine  glassful  every  hour  till  it  purges. 


The  following  preparation  is  used  by  the  Indians  in  the  treat 
jnent  of  retention  of  urine,  etc.  They  use  an  ingredient  called  by 
them  "  Va-va-so-lee,"  but  as  that  cannot  be  obtained,  Ho11""'4  ~;- 
will  be  found  an  excellent  substitute. 

;  Take  of  spearmint,  green,  bruise,  and  add  sufficient  q1 
saturate  about  one  quart  of  Holland  gin.  Joq-ftdJ  &  o4ai  loo ; 

j%5e. — The  dose  must  be  regulated  according  to  the  patients 
habits.  Some  will  require  half,  others  a  gill  at  a  time,  and  repeated 
every  thirty  minutes.  The  patient  should  take  it  till  it  produces 
relief  In  cases  where  the  green  mint  cannot  be  procured,  the 
dry  may  be  used,  but  it  is  not  so  good.  This  liquid  may  also  be 
wed  beneiftcially,  both  externally  and  internally,  in  oases  of  nevew 


MISS  BAKBEK'S  NARRATIVE. 

COMMON  POULTICE. — Take  of  slippery  elm  bark  (pulverized)  a 
sufficient  quantity ;  stir  it  in  hot  or  warm  milk  and  water,  to  the 
consistence  of  a  poultice.  This  poultice  exceeds  every  other  in 
point  of  efficacy.  It  is  of  almost  universal  application,  and  removes 
inflammation  sooner  than  any  other.  Compared  to  this,  every  other 
poultice  dwindles  into  insignificance. 

I  will  nere  add  a  bit  of  useful  information  not  of  Indian  origin, 
but  one  of  great  benefit  to  suffering  humanity.  In  scarlet  fever, 
measles,  whooping  cough,  and  small  pox  (and  all  kindred  diseases), 
give  freely  of  brewer's  yeast.  Its  effect  is  wonderful,  the  disease 
is  forced  out,  and  all  fears  of  sore  throat  may  be  discarded  where 
the  yeast  is  given.  In  small  pox,  a  regulation  of  the  bowels,  use 
of  the  yeast,  and  good,  careful  nursing  (the  room,  in  which  the 
patient  is  placed,  to  be  kept  of  an  even  temperature),  will  do  more 
than  all  the  doctors  to  be  had.  The  patient's  diet  in  this  disease 
should  consist  chiefly  of  gruels,  and  warm  teas  should  be  frequently 
given.  Take  of  saffron  and  catnip  equal  parts,  make  a  tea,  and 
give  it  warm.  Use  the  fever  remedies  when  fever  appears. 

Best  nourishment  for  the  disease  is  barky  water,  Indian  meal 
gruel,  buttermilk  and  water,  roasted  apples,  and  ripe  fruit  moderately. 

Let  there  be  a  current  of  air  in  the  room,  but  avoid  the  same 
coming  in  contact  with  the  patient.  Great  attention  must  be  paid 
to  cleanliness.  Change  linen  and  clothes  often.  If  eruptions  are 
lirge,  full  of  water  and  irritating,  puncture  same,  and  sprinkle  same 
with  dry  flour  of  slippery  elm,  and  the  pitting  of  the  face  will  be 
greatly  diminished. 


In  conclusion  allow  me  to  assure  the  reader  that  all  the  fore 
going  receipts  are  of  great  value,  and  may  be  fully  relied  upon. 
When  you  *o  to  the  druggist  be  particular  to  write  the  exact 
quantity  as  given  by  me,  and  make  use  of  the  English  name*,  only, 
as  very  few  druggists  have  any  knowledge  of  the  Indian  languages, 
he  Indians  have  great  faith  in  the  healing  qualities  of  tobacco 


MISS  BARBER'S   NARRATIVE. 

and  I  have  seen  many  cures  by  its  use,  suoh  LA  stings  of  bees,  biter 
of  insects,  etc. 

[We  have  seen  several    persona  who  have  been  cured  by  Miss 

Barber,   and  we  have  no  hesitation  in  asserting  that  her  Indian 

receipts  are  of  great  value.     The  lady  previous  to  her  life  among  the 

,*UK  was  a  great   »iudeuk,  and  principal  among  her  studies  was 

bat  of  medicine. 

THI 


laa  lo 


lo  ifumiro  «  sd  9"! 
oi^  rf^iw  torfJ'---- 


nV: 


*: 

w 

»<k  ai 


X 


M102109  , 

,$"33 


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